Divorce Lawyers in Charleston Ready to Fight For You

Sarji Law Firm, LLC. > Divorce Lawyers in Charleston Ready to Fight For You

Life is indeed a journey marked by transitions, some of which can be particularly arduous, like going through a divorce. Emotions run high, and the legal process can seem like a maze. However, amidst these challenges, you don’t have to face them alone. A divorce lawyer in Charleston from Sarji Law Firm can be your steadfast companion, guiding you through the intricacies of the legal process with care and experience.

Our team understands the emotional toll that divorce can take and is committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Whether you’re dealing with issues related to child custody, asset division, or spousal support, our attorneys are here to advocate for your best interests.

With Sarji Law Firm by your side, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected, and you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions that will set the stage for a brighter future. Don’t let divorce overwhelm you. Take the first step towards resolution by reaching out to Sarji Law Firm today. Let us help you through this challenging chapter of your life, so you can emerge stronger and ready to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead, call us at 843-722-5354.

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Understanding the Role of a Charleston Divorce Lawyer

A Charleston divorce lawyer wears many hats throughout the divorce process. They chiefly act as:

  • a beacon, guiding clients through the labyrinth of law while safeguarding their rights
  • helping them make decisions based on informed understanding, including the comprehension of child support guidelines
  • seasoned navigators, equipped with decades of combined experience in handling both contested and uncontested divorces
  • with a deep understanding of divorce law.

Their knowledge extends beyond just the law. They possess a comprehensive understanding of the local legal system and are highly knowledgeable in South Carolina divorce laws, particularly in intricate areas such as asset division. This deep understanding of the local legal laws can prove invaluable in the divorce process.

Retaining a Charleston divorce attorney such as Leslie Sarji can significantly impact the outcome. She can:

  • Be an influential representative in court
  • Deliver unbiased mediation in less contentious settings
  • Assist clients in understanding and dealing with the intricacies of South Carolina divorce law.

South Carolina Divorce Law

Divorce paperwork.

South Carolina divorce law is complex and winding. It is marked by various grounds for divorce, specific residency requirements, and detailed procedures that must be adhered to. This is where a skilled divorce lawyer in Charleston, SC comes in, offering their experience and guidance of South Carolina law.

One of the key areas where a lawyer can provide valuable guidance is ensuring that correct paperwork and financial declarations are filed in family court. They can also assist in managing the divorce agreement process to ensure it is equitable and fair and serves any children involved. The legal grounds for divorce in South Carolina include adultery, habitual drug or alcohol use, physical abuse, and more. In such scenarios, experienced attorneys aid clients in formulating child custody and visitation plans that prioritize the well-being of the children involved.

Without legal representation, one risks missing important legal nuances and facing obstacles due to the state’s unique divorce regulations, including no-fault divorce. Obtaining experienced legal advice to steer through these potential issues is recommended.

Protecting Your Rights and Interests During Divorce

Amid a divorce, a Charleston divorce lawyer from Sarji Law Firm serves as a guide, protecting your rights and interests. Our team handles various aspects of divorce, such as financial support, child custody, and spousal support. We understand the importance of these issues and are dedicated to advocating for you throughout the process. With Sarji Law Firm by your side, you can handle your divorce with confidence and peace of mind.

Dividing assets.

Financial Support and Asset Division

The division of assets and financial support is a crucial aspect of any divorce. A Charleston divorce lawyer can assist by delineating each spouse’s requirements such as property division, financial support, and child custody needs when applicable, working tirelessly to safeguard the financial future of their clients.

In South Carolina, the concept of equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities entails the fair division of assets and liabilities between the spouses in a divorce. This takes into account factors such as the duration of the marriage and any fault that may have contributed to the divorce. The marital property encompasses any assets obtained by the spouses throughout the duration of the marriage, and sometimes, even property owned before the marriage can be deemed marital property by the family court.

In intricate scenarios like owning a business, a Charleston divorce lawyer from Sarji Law Firm offers specific knowledge to discern between marital and non-marital property. The experience of Leslie Sarji, a divorce attorney in Charleston, is essential for guiding clients through the negotiation of fair asset division and financial support, taking into account all relevant factors, including the reasons for divorce and the duration of the marriage.

Child Custody and Visitation

The well-being of the children involved in a divorce is of the utmost importance. Experienced attorneys aid clients in formulating child custody and child visitation plans that prioritize the well-being of the children involved. In Charleston, child custody attorneys conduct a thorough analysis to determine the best interests of the children, enabling the courts to make informed decisions and allocate custody accordingly.

The court takes into consideration 17 specific ‘factors’ when determining which parent should be awarded custody. Infidelity may also have an impact on custody arrangements, particularly if a spouse has introduced the children to their new romantic partner.

In South Carolina, when parents are married, both have equal rights to their children. These rights encompass aspects such as custody and decision-making. However, in cases where a child is born with the parents not being married, the mother is initially granted custody unless paternity is established and the father petitions the court for visitation or custody.

Alimony and Spousal Support

Alimony and spousal support are another facet of divorce where a Charleston divorce lawyer can provide valuable guidance. Alimony in South Carolina refers to the monetary support provided by one party to the other to ensure a comparable standard of living following a divorce. Separate maintenance and support involves one spouse making payments to the other, either during a period of separation or after the dissolution of the marriage.

In South Carolina, alimony can be granted in different forms, including lump sum or periodic payments, as well as rehabilitative or reimbursement spousal support. These options provide flexibility in meeting the specific needs of each divorcing couple. The determination of whether alimony is awarded and its amount is based on factors such as the length of the marriage, educational background, employment history, standard of living during the marriage, and marital fault or misconduct.

Alimony ceases when the paying spouse or receiving spouse passes away, or when the receiving spouse starts cohabitating with another person or decides to remarry. It can also be altered upon a demonstration of a significant change in circumstances. Attorneys are equipped to offer counsel and assistance in alimony and spousal support matters, considering factors like the length of the marriage and the financial requirements of each spouse to establish equitable support agreements.

The Benefits of Mediation and Collaborative Divorce

A married couple mediating their divorce.

In certain situations, the conventional courtroom divorce procedure might not be the right fit. This is when mediation and collaborative divorce come into play, providing a friendlier and more cost-efficient alternative to litigation. In mediation, a neutral third party aids the couple in achieving a mutually acceptable agreement, while in collaborative divorce, each spouse retains their own attorney and collaborates to settle outside of court.

Mediation and collaborative divorce processes provide a more peaceful and less adversarial approach compared to court proceedings and have the potential for quicker resolutions. However, challenges may arise if an agreement is not reached, requiring the process to start over, and these approaches may not be suitable for high-conflict cases.

At Sarji Law Firm, we represent you in mediation during divorce proceedings, providing skilled advocacy and strategic guidance to help you and your spouse reach an equitable settlement.

Our commitment extends beyond the finalization of the divorce agreement, as we also offer assistance with post-divorce modifications and enforcement.

Handling Post-Divorce Modifications and Enforcement

Life is ever-changing, and conditions can shift post-finalization of a divorce. These changes can necessitate modifications to the terms of the divorce. At Sarji Law Firm, we can assist with post-divorce modifications, ensuring compliance with court orders and making necessary updates as life evolves.

Typical factors that lead to post-divorce modifications include:

  • significant changes such as relocation
  • alterations in work schedule
  • declining health
  • financial shifts resulting from employment changes or undisclosed debts

If a party is found to violate the divorce decree terms, we can initiate legal proceedings in family court through the filing of a motion for contempt against the party in violation. The court has the authority to enforce its orders by imposing fines, modifying custody arrangements, or pursuing civil or criminal contempt charges.

The process for requesting a modification involves filing a petition with the court and potentially participating in court proceedings or attending mediation. It is essential to provide evidence of the need for the modification, such as a significant change in circumstances or evidence of fraud.

Modifications to child custody or support orders in South Carolina necessitate the submission of a petition to the family court that initially issued the original order for evaluation of potential changes.

Addressing Unique Circumstances in Divorce Cases

Each divorce case is distinct and may pose its own set of challenges. At Sarji Law Firm, we are equipped to handle specific circumstances in divorce cases, including high-net-worth divorces, military divorces, and cases involving domestic violence.

High net worth divorces come with their own set of challenges, including asset valuation, concealed assets, tax consequences, and spousal support determination. We utilize strategies such as maintaining privacy, fostering trust and respect, keeping open lines of communication, and maintaining clear records to safeguard clients in high-stakes divorces.

In South Carolina, a military divorce varies from a civilian divorce in several aspects, including the selection of filing location, potential prolongation of the divorce process, and supplementary legal safeguards for service members. Therefore, it is crucial to seek guidance from a legal professional from Sarji Law Firm because we have experience in military divorces.

We also offer legal guidance and support to victims of domestic violence, assisting them in obtaining court protections such as emergency orders and restraining orders. Additionally, we can advocate for the rights and safety of the victims throughout the divorce proceedings. Having a skilled attorney such as Leslie Sarji by your side can make all the difference in these unique circumstances.

The Sarji Law Firm Advantage

Divorce can be overwhelming, but with experienced legal help, it becomes more manageable. A skilled Charleston divorce lawyer can be your guiding light, helping you better understand South Carolina divorce law, protect your rights and interests, and handle any unique circumstances that your case may present. At Sarji Law Firm, we offer personalized legal representation, extensive experience, and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

At Sarji Law Firm, we offer a variety of services specifically designed to address the individual requirements of clients in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties. Our services include:

  • Mediation
  • Child custody and support
  • Property division
  • Spousal support

We uphold the belief that each client is deserving of bespoke and committed legal representation.

We possess a wealth of experience in the legal domain, having successfully managed a multitude of divorce and child support cases, guiding intricate family law issues. Our commitment to achieving favorable resolutions for our clients is evident in our persistent effort to safeguard clients’ interests during the divorce process. Contact Sarji Law Firm by calling 843-722-5354 today to take the first step towards resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for divorce in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, divorce can be filed on the grounds of adultery, habitual drunkenness, physical cruelty, and abandonment. A no-fault divorce is also an option if the parties have lived separate and apart for at least one year. Mental abuse/cruelty is not a valid basis for divorce in this state.

Is South Carolina a no-fault divorce state?

Yes, South Carolina is a no-fault divorce state. In South Carolina, being a no-fault divorce state means that couples can seek a divorce without having to prove fault on the part of either spouse. Instead, they can cite “irreconcilable differences” or “separation for one year” as the grounds for divorce. This means that as long as the parties have lived separately and apart without cohabitation for over one year, they can proceed with a divorce without the need to assign blame to either party.

How do I get a divorce in South Carolina without waiting a year?

If you have grounds for divorce other than one year’s separation, and your spouse consents to it, you should be able to get a divorce without waiting a year, assuming there is no backlog of cases in your county’s family court.

What can a divorce lawyer in Charleston do for you?

A divorce lawyer in Charleston can provide invaluable support and guidance during the divorce process. They can help you navigate the legal complexities, protect your rights, advocate for your best interests, and ensure you make informed decisions that set the stage for a fresh start.

Can I modify my child support or alimony agreement after the divorce in South Carolina?

Yes, in South Carolina, child support and alimony agreements can be modified post-divorce if there has been a significant change in circumstances. For child support, this could include changes in income, the needs of the child, or the custodial arrangements. For alimony, changes in financial status, cohabitation, or remarriage of the receiving spouse may warrant a modification. To modify these agreements, you must file a petition with the family court that issued the original order, and the court will review the case to determine if adjustments are necessary.

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