DIVORCE ATTORNEY IN ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA

In South Carolina, divorce is one of the possible ways to end your marriage legally. However, filing for divorce usually involves heightened emotions. Any decision you take can have a huge effect on your family, children, finances, assets, and future relationships. If you're considering filing for divorce or are already amidst the divorce process, consulting with a knowledgeable South Carolina family law attorney is crucial for detailed guidance.

At David F. Stoddard Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing strong advocacy and experienced legal counsel to clients in family law and divorce-related matters. Our trusted attorney is available to discuss your personal situation, enlighten you about your possible divorce options, and walk you through the marital dissolution process. In addition, we can help settle various divorce matters efficiently and help make your transition as seamless as possible.

David F. Stoddard Law Firm proudly serves clients across Anderson, South Carolina, and surrounding areas of Northlake, Liberty, Pickens, or anywhere in Greenville County.

Divorce in South Carolina

Divorce or marital dissolution is the process of ending a marriage legally. To file for divorce in South Carolina, either you or your partner must have lived in The Palmetto State for at least one year before the filing date, or both of you must live in the state for at least three months prior to filing your divorce petition. Divorce in South Carolina may either be uncontested or contested.

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses mutually agree on the key terms of the divorce settlement, including division of assets, alimony, child custody, child support, and parenting time. Once all divorce matters have been resolved, the agreed-upon terms will be carefully documented and filed with the South Carolina family courts for official approval. An experienced family law attorney can help protect your best interests and keep the conversation productive and on track.

Contested Divorce

Conversely, in a contested divorce, the spouses are unable to agree on one or more terms of the divorce settlement. The family court will have to intervene and help resolve such family law or divorce issues. During the divorce hearing, the judge will allow both spouses to present their cases. A final judgment will be issued through a divorce decree. A skilled divorce attorney can help present your case diligently and increase your chances of getting the most favorable outcome in your divorce case.

Grounds for Divorce in South Carolina

South Carolina allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. Under South Carolina laws, a divorce order shall be granted on any of the following grounds (reasons):

No-Fault Grounds

• Continuous separation – living separate and apart without cohabitation for at least one year. 

Fault Grounds

• Adultery

• Narcotics abuse or habitual drunkenness

• Physical cruelty

• Desertion or abandonment for one year or more

A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate the surrounding circumstances of your unique situation and enlighten you about how long it may take to finalize your divorce case.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

Divorce is often a complicated and daunting process. In South Carolina, there is a mandatory 90 days waiting period before you can receive a judgment if you file for fault divorce. Generally, it can take anywhere from three months to a year or even longer to finalize your divorce in South Carolina.

In addition, factors such as the filing procedure, divorce grounds, the family court's docket, type of divorce (contested or uncontested), and how your lawyer handles the divorce case can affect how long it may take for you to get divorced in South Carolina.

Work With an Experienced
Family Law Attorney

Filing for divorce in South Carolina often involves a lot of complex processes. Negotiating a fair divorce settlement, establishing post-divorce agreements, and dividing marital property with your soon-to-be ex-partner can make the whole divorce proceedings even more complicated and stressful. Therefore, when considering divorce, you need to speak with an experienced family law attorney for proper guidance and to protect you and your family's best interests.

With over 25 years of experience, our attorney has the diligence and knowledge to advise and guide clients through the complicated procedures involved in a divorce. Using our in-depth legal understanding, we will work intelligently with all parties involved to resolve divorce-related matters – including asset division, spousal support, child custody, support, and parenting time – peacefully. As your legal counsel, we will fight vigorously to advocate for your legal rights and help you move forward quickly.