Cowpens Divorce Attorneys

Divorce is never a decision that’s made lightly. Whether or not you have children, the process of dissolving a marriage is emotionally painful, time-consuming, and stressful. The choices you make during this time determine what type of life you have after the end of your marriage, so it’s important to work with a trusted divorce attorney in Cowpens, SC and surrounding areas of the Upstate.

When you choose the Nowell Law Firm, you get access to our experienced family law attorneys. We’ve navigated all types of divorce cases, from relatively amicable splits to those that were contentious and difficult at every turn. We are here to help you through this challenging time. Schedule your consultation now by calling us at 864-469-2481.

What You Need to Know About Divorce Law in South Carolina

Each state sets its own divorce laws, so take a few minutes to make sure you know what to expect from this process in South Carolina. As is the case in almost every other state, you must meet specific residency requirements. If only you or your spouse live in the state, you must have lived there for at least one year before filing. If you both reside here, you must have lived here for three months before filing.

South Carolina is one of the few states that still recognizes fault-based divorces. Most people still opt for a no-fault divorce, which allows you to simply request a divorce because you have been separated and living apart for at least one full year.  A divorce based on fault grounds expedites the divorce process, such that it can be finalized after three months.  Fault grounds can also be factors in how a Court divides property and debts or calculates alimony.  If sufficient grounds exist, a fault-based divorce may be an important option to discuss with your attorney.

You can file for divorce based on:

• Adultery
• Physical cruelty/abuse
• Alcoholism or drug use and addiction
• Desertion for more than one year (note this ground has all but been abolished by the advent of the “no fault” divorce, which also has a one year separation requirement)

You must have proof of your claims for the court to grant a fault-based divorce. Because of this, a fault-based divorce can take longer to navigate and be considerably more contentious.

As is the case in most states, South Carolina courts put the best interests of children first when it comes to determining custody and child support. There is no automatic preference given to the mother or father, and the court will determine what is best for each individual child.

Important Topics in Your Divorce

Throughout the course of your split, you and your spouse will have the opportunity to negotiate a number of important topics. If negotiations are unsuccessful and you cannot come to an agreement, these decisions are left to the judge hearing your divorce case.

The drawback of a judge deciding the issues in your case is it gives you no decision-making power and forces both parties to comply with a decision neither may agree with. That’s why it’s important to know what concessions you are willing to make and what your priorities are for each of these major areas:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support
• The division of assets and debts

How Nowell Law Firm Can Help You

Hiring an attorney is one of the best things you can do for yourself as you navigate a divorce. To start, this is probably one of the most emotional and vulnerable times of your life. It is incredibly hard to make sound decisions in this state of mind, even if you are initiating the split.

Making decisions based on raw emotion can leave you in the middle of a drawn-out and contentious divorce, which helps no one. Having an attorney on your side who can help you understand your options puts you in a better position to make the right choices for you and your children.

Sometimes dynamics are at play in a divorce that make it difficult to work through issues amicably, like where physical abuse or substance abuse issues persist.  In those situations, your attorney will help you identify your priorities and advocate for those in Court.

Maybe there’s no animosity between you and your spouse, and you simply want to move on from the marriage while preserving your financial stability. In that case, your attorney will take the time to understand what you’re looking for and come up with a plan that fits your needs and goals.

We recognize that just as no two marriages are the same, no two divorces are the same. Every case is unique, which is why it’s important to have an experienced advocate helping you navigate through the process.  Our large body of experience gives us the tools we need to guide you through any challenges that come your way.

Other Family Law Services We Provide

Our firm isn’t just here to help you during your divorce. Our family law attorneys can help you with all of your family-related legal needs, including:

• Prenuptial agreements
• Adoptions
• Name changes
• QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders)
• Child support, including termination and modification
• Spousal support modifications and terminations
• Child custody modification and enforcement
• Paternity actions
• Establishing a child custody order for unmarried parents

Family legal issues can be complex and emotionally charged.  Having a strong legal team can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.  Call us today, and see if Nowell Law Firm is the right choice for your needs.

Contact Us Now and Schedule Your Consultation

When you’re ready to take the first step in your divorce or get help with other family legal matters, Nowell Law Firm’s experienced family law attorneys are ready to sit down and talk. Schedule a consultation at your convenience by reaching out online or calling us at 864-469-2481.