Georgetown Family Law Lawyers
At Indigo Family Law, we know family is not one-size-fits-all. Neither is family law. Whether you are navigating a tough divorce, welcoming a child into your home through adoption, or trying to adjust custody or support as life changes, you need more than just legal representation. You need a steady hand, a listening ear, and a team that genuinely understands what you are going through. That is exactly what you will find with our Georgetown family law lawyers.
We are not your typical law firm. We are folks from South Carolina, just like you, and we have built our practice on the belief that navigating family law matters should not feel like an impersonal and confusing ordeal. With decades of combined legal experience, we have walked alongside countless families throughout Georgetown County, helping them find their way to a brighter future.
Why Choose Indigo Family Law
At Indigo Family Law, every interaction, conversation, and step we take is guided by three simple yet powerful principles. We call it The Indigo Way, and it is our assurance to you:
We Tell You Exactly What You Can Expect
No sugarcoating, no legal jargon that leaves you scratching your head. We believe in transparency from day one. We will outline the possibilities, potential hurdles, and the roadmap ahead, so you are always informed and empowered to make the best decisions for your family.
We Call You Back! We Never Leave You Hanging
We understand how frustrating it can be to feel like you are shouting into a void when you need answers most. Your peace of mind is paramount to us. When you reach out, you can trust that we will respond promptly and keep you updated throughout the process.
We Understand; We All Have Families, Too
We are not just lawyers. We are parents, spouses, siblings, and children. We know the deeply personal and emotional nature of family law. This is not just a case to us. It is your life, your children, and your future. Our empathy and personal experience inform every piece of advice we offer.
We Take a Family-First Approach to Law
Attorneys Brana Williams and Ryan Stampfle both came to family law through the same family-first vision. They bring more than 40 years of combined experience to the table, prioritizing Grand Strand families. They meet you where you are, ready for whatever messy and personal situations life throws your way.
Understanding Divorce in Georgetown, SC
Divorce is rarely easy, but it does not have to be a disaster. Whether your split is amicable or tense, we help you focus on your future. We sit down with you, walk through what to expect, and help protect your rights. We handle all aspects of divorce, including:
- Marital property and debt division
- Custody and parenting time
- Spousal support
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Family-owned businesses
Our goal is to protect your rights, advocate for your future, and help you achieve an equitable resolution, allowing you to move forward confidently.
Grounds for Divorce
South Carolina recognizes fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce:
- No-Fault Divorce: This requires one year of continuous separation without cohabitation.
- Fault-Based Divorce: South Carolina also permits divorce based on specific marital misconduct. These grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for more than one year.
Fault can impact things like alimony and property division, so it is essential to talk to a family law attorney about how your specific situation fits the law.
Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in South Carolina, at least one spouse must meet residency criteria. If both spouses live in South Carolina, one of them must have resided in the state for at least three months. If only one spouse lives in South Carolina, that spouse must have resided in the state for at least one year.
Waiting Periods
For no-fault divorces, you cannot file the divorce action until you complete the one-year separation period. For fault-based divorces, you can file as soon as the grounds exist. However, there is a 90-day waiting period after the filing of the Summons and Complaint before the court can schedule a final hearing.
Equitable Distribution of Property
South Carolina follows the equitable distribution model, not a strict 50/50 split. The court considers factors such as:
- Length of the marriage
- Financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse
- Income and earning potential
- Marital misconduct
- Custody arrangements
We help you tell the whole story so the court can see what is fair and not just what is equal.
What Qualifies as Legal Separation?
Sometimes, a full divorce is not the immediate answer. Legal separation can provide a valuable pathway for couples to live separately while still addressing critical issues like child custody, child support, and financial responsibilities. It allows for a period of reflection and adjustment without immediately dissolving the marriage.
South Carolina does not formally recognize legal separation. Instead, the court can issue an Order of Separate Maintenance and Support. This temporary order outlines arrangements for child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and the management of marital assets and debts while the parties are living separate and apart.
It does not dissolve the marriage but can provide a crucial framework during a period of transition, especially if you have not met the one-year separation requirement for a no-fault divorce, or if you need immediate financial or custody relief.
High-Asset Complex Divorce
When divorce involves substantial assets, intricate business interests, or highly contested child custody matters, it becomes a complex divorce. These cases demand a heightened level of legal insight, financial analysis, and strategic planning. Our Georgetown family law lawyers are well-versed in handling these multifaceted divorces.
We work diligently to uncover and value all marital assets, including real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and business holdings. We collaborate with forensic accountants, financial experts, and other specialists as needed to help divide property and debt fairly and accurately.
How Child Custody in Georgetown Works
For most parents, nothing is more important than their children. Child custody disputes can be emotionally charged and incredibly stressful. Our primary focus is always on your children’s best interests. We understand the profound impact that custody decisions have on their lives and are committed to helping you establish arrangements that promote their stability, safety, and well-being.
Whether you are seeking sole custody, joint custody, or a specific visitation schedule, we will advocate fiercely for your parental rights and help you craft a parenting plan that works for your family. We encourage amicable resolutions through mediation whenever possible, but are always prepared to litigate in court if necessary to protect your children’s future.
Best Interests of the Child
South Carolina law prioritizes the child’s best interests, which includes factors such as:
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The child’s preferences
- Domestic violence or abuse
- Stability of home environments
- Willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent
Joint custody is possible, but not automatic. Courts can order separate legal and physical custody.
Types of Custody
South Carolina courts often distinguish between two types of custody:
- Legal Custody: The right and responsibility to make major decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, religious training, and extracurricular activities
- Physical Custody: Where the child lives primarily
If parents are unmarried, the biological mother automatically has sole legal custody until a court order says otherwise. Unmarried fathers must legally establish paternity to gain parental rights, including the ability to seek custody or visitation.
Visitation
Beyond formal custody, visitation schedules ensure that non-custodial parents maintain regular and meaningful contact with their children. Every family’s situation is unique, and we strive to create visitation arrangements that are practical, flexible, and conducive to healthy parent-child relationships. Our Georgetown family law lawyers help parents establish visitation plans that are in the children’s best interests while respecting both parents’ rights.
Child Support
Child support is a fundamental right of children and a legal obligation of parents. In South Carolina, child support calculations are primarily based on the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which consider factors such as each parent’s income, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. We assist custodial and non-custodial parents in establishing fair and appropriate child support orders.
Grandparents’ Rights
Grandparents may have legal rights to seek visitation with their grandchildren, particularly in situations where the parents are divorced, separated, or if one parent has passed away. We understand the vital role grandparents play in a child’s life and the heartbreak that can occur when those relationships are severed. We can assess your situation and advise you on your legal options for seeking or maintaining contact with your grandchildren.
What to Know About Alimony and Spousal Support
Alimony, also known as spousal support, provides financial assistance to a spouse who may be financially disadvantaged after the marriage ends. South Carolina law considers several factors when determining alimony, including the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and the marital standard of living.
Our Georgetown family law lawyers will help you understand your rights and obligations regarding alimony, whether you are seeking support or are being asked to provide it. We will work to achieve an equitable outcome that ensures your financial stability as you transition into your post-divorce life.
Types of Alimony
Types of alimony include:
- Permanent Periodic: Monthly payments until remarriage, cohabitation, or death
- Rehabilitative: Temporary support while the spouse becomes self-sufficient
- Reimbursement: To pay back a spouse for contributions, such as education or career development
- Lump Sum: One-time or set schedule payment
Alimony awards can vary widely. We will help you build or defend your position clearly and credibly.
Can Modifications Be Made to the Agreements?
Life is dynamic, and circumstances can change dramatically after a divorce or family court order is finalized. A job loss, a significant income change, a child’s evolving needs, or a parent’s relocation can all necessitate a modification to existing child custody, child support, or alimony orders.
We seek modifications to court orders when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Our Georgetown family law lawyers will guide you through the process of filing a petition for modification and presenting your case to the court, ensuring that the new order reflects your current situation.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreement Services
While it may seem unromantic, a prenuptial agreement can be a wise and practical decision for couples entering marriage. It allows you to define how to handle assets and debts in the event of a divorce, providing clarity and peace of mind for both parties.
Spouses enter into postnuptial agreements after they are already married. These agreements address various financial matters, including the division of property, spousal support, and business interests. They can be beneficial for couples who experience a significant change in their economic circumstances during marriage or who wish to formalize specific financial arrangements.
We can help you draft comprehensive and legally sound agreements that protect your interests while fostering open communication about financial matters before and after you say “I do.”
Indigo Family Law Can Help with Property and Debt Division
South Carolina divides marital property equitably, but not necessarily equally. This requires thoroughly understanding all assets and liabilities, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement funds, businesses, and debts.
Our Georgetown family law lawyers are skilled in valuing assets, identifying separate property, and negotiating complex property division settlements. Our goal is to ensure that you receive a fair share of the marital estate and are not burdened with an undue amount of debt.
We Also Provide Business Division Services
When a family business is involved in a divorce, the complexities multiply significantly. Valuing the company, determining its marital vs. separate property components, and developing a plan for its future ownership and operation require focused legal and financial proficiency.
We work with business valuation experts to accurately assess the worth of your business and develop strategies for its division that protect your financial interests and the business’s viability. Whether it involves a buy-out, a shared ownership arrangement, or another solution, we work to find the best outcome for you.
Adoptions Can Be Legally Complex
Adoption is a joyous process that brings families together. Whether looking to adopt a child from foster care, through a private agency, or within your own family, the legal procedures can be intricate. We are here to guide you through every step of this wonderful journey.
We handle all types of adoptions and terminations of parental rights, ensuring that you meet all legal requirements and that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. We take immense pride in helping families expand and providing children with loving, permanent homes.
Legal Paternity Services
Establishing legal paternity can ensure custody and visitation rights for fathers, child support for mothers, and inheritance and health benefits for children. We assist clients with all aspects of paternity actions, including establishing paternity through DNA testing, obtaining a court order for child support, and asserting parental rights.
Contact Our Experienced Georgetown Family Law Lawyers Today
At Indigo Family Law, we understand that family law matters are deeply personal. You need a partner who will listen, understand, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. That is who we are. If you are facing a family law challenge in the Grand Strand, contact our family law lawyers in Georgetown, SC to schedule a confidential case evaluation. We are here to help you find your way forward.