South Carolina
Divorce Lawyer
Brana Williams and her team will stand by your side, helping you through your divorce or separation.
Divorce can be emotionally charged and stressful, and a divorce lawyer can help ease the burden by providing legal and emotional support. A Myrtle Beach divorce lawyer is a legal professional specializing in family law and can provide legal guidance and representation to individuals going through a divorce or separation.
Hiring a Myrtle Beach divorce lawyer from Indigo Family Law can help ensure that your legal rights and interests are protected throughout the divorce process and that you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Divorce Nationwide & Myrtle Beach, SC
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly 800,000 divorces and annulments in the United States yearly. The median duration of marriage at the time of divorce in the United States is eight years.
South Carolina Judicial Department data shows approximately 20,000 divorces in the state annually. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median duration of marriage at the time of divorce in South Carolina is 10.7 years.
While the median duration of marriage is longer in Myrtle Beach, SC, than nationwide, divorce is a reality for thousands. Therefore, all married couples and those contemplating marriage must understand the divorce process. Fully understanding this information can prove useful should you face a divorce.
Damages Awarded in Myrtle Beach Divorce Cases
In a Myrtle Beach divorce case, damages are awarded to address various aspects of the divorce process. These may include property division, alimony, child support, and attorney’s fees.
Property Division
Property division is an important aspect of divorce, and in Myrtle Beach, marital property is divided between the parties. Marital property is defined as all assets and debts acquired during the marriage. The court will consider several factors, such as the length of the marriage, each party’s contribution to the marriage, and each party’s financial needs when dividing marital property. The court may also consider any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements the couple may have signed.
Alimony
In cases where one spouse earns significantly more income than the other, alimony, also known as spousal support, may be awarded. Alimony is intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their living standards after the divorce. The court will consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, earning potential, and the standard of living during the marriage when deciding whether to award alimony and in what amount. Alimony may be temporary or permanent, depending on the case’s specific circumstances.
Child Support
If the couple has children, child support may be awarded to help cover the costs of raising the children. The non-custodial parent typically makes child support payments to the custodial parent. The amount of child support will depend on each parent’s income, the number of children, and other factors. The court may also consider the child’s healthcare and educational needs when determining child support payments.
Attorney’s Fees
In some cases, one spouse may be unable to afford their attorney’s fees. The court may order one spouse to pay the other’s attorney’s fees in these situations to ensure that each spouse has access to legal representation during the divorce process.
Equitable Distribution in Myrtle Beach Divorces
In Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina, divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means that marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Marital property includes all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name they are in or how they are titled.
Marital Property
Before property can be divided, the court must first identify what constitutes marital and separate property. Separate property includes assets acquired before the marriage and any property received by one spouse during the marriage through a gift or inheritance. Separate property is not subject to division during a divorce.
Assets & Debts
Equitable distribution includes real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property. Marital debts, such as credit card debt or mortgages, may also be divided between the parties.
Steps to Take in a Myrtle Beach Divorce
If you are considering getting a divorce in Myrtle Beach, there are several steps you should take to prepare and navigate the process, including:
- Consult with an attorney: An experienced divorce attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
- Gather financial documents: Collect bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs for your attorney and court proceedings.
- File for divorce: Your attorney will file a complaint for divorce outlining grounds and requests for relief.
- Serve your spouse: Your spouse must be officially served with the divorce papers.
- Negotiate a settlement: You and your spouse may reach an agreement on key divorce issues.
- Attend mediation: If an agreement isn’t reached, mediation may be required to resolve disputes.
- Attend trial: If necessary, the case will proceed to court, where a judge will decide on contested matters.
- Follow court orders: After the divorce is finalized, all court orders regarding property, support, and custody must be followed.
Mediation & Collaborative Law
Mediation
Mediation involves a neutral third party assisting couples in reaching agreements on divorce issues. It is often a more affordable and amicable alternative to litigation.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law involves both parties and their attorneys working together to reach a settlement agreement through direct communication and negotiation.
How a Myrtle Beach Divorce Lawyer Can Help
Legal Advice & Document Preparation
A divorce lawyer can provide legal guidance on property division, alimony, child custody, and support, ensuring all documents are properly filed.
Negotiation & Mediation
Attorneys can negotiate settlements on your behalf and represent you during mediation to ensure fair agreements.
Court Representation & Emotional Support
If your case goes to trial, a lawyer will advocate for your interests and provide guidance throughout the legal process.
Contact Indigo Family Law for a Myrtle Beach Divorce Lawyer
A Myrtle Beach divorce lawyer from Indigo Family Law can provide legal advice, represent you in court, and guide you through the complexities of divorce.