Camden Divorce Lawyer

Camden Divorce Attorney

Ending a marriage can feel like an overwhelming challenge, and divorce is very emotionally and financially draining. If you’re facing divorce, you don’t have to deal with it alone. A trusted Camden divorce lawyer at Deas Law Firm can help you understand the process and make sure your rights and interests are considered every step of the way.

Our skilled family law attorneys have more than 20 years of experience helping clients in the Camden area with legal matters, including divorce, alimony, and child custody and support. We know each case has its own individual challenges, and we bring our compassion, integrity, and resources to find tailored solutions to our clients’ most complicated concerns.

South Carolina Divorce

As per a recent report by the US Census Bureau, South Carolina has a stable marriage and divorce rate. South Carolina ranks fourth in marriage and 24th in divorce among all states.

There are some basic requirements that have to be met before a person can file for divorce, including South Carolina residency and the legal reasons for the divorce. At least one spouse must have been a resident of South Carolina for three or more months before filing for the divorce. If only one party lives in South Carolina, that spouse must have been a resident for at least a year before they are eligible to file for divorce.

In addition, for a no-fault divorce, the spouses have to live separately for at least a year before they file. In the case of a fault-based divorce, the spouse who files has to show that the marriage ended because of the other spouse’s behavior, specifically physical abuse, adultery, alcohol or drug abuse, or desertion for at least a year.

Divorce Process in South Carolina

The main elements of a divorce are property division, determining child custody and support, and determining alimony. Not all elements apply to every divorce, but they are all common. Depending on the needs of the family, the process may vary, but in general, divorces follow a standard pattern. This includes: 

• Filing a complaint and summons with the court. This officially begins the divorce process.
• Serving the summons to the other spouse.
• Submitting financial disclosures.
• Negotiating terms for the division of property, alimony, and child custody and support
• Attending a family court hearing.
• Receiving the judge’s final divorce order.

Property Division and Alimony in South Carolina Divorce

When a marriage ends, it is necessary to divide the property fairly between the spouses. South Carolina uses an equitable distribution system, which means that all marital assets and debts are divided equitably, which is not always an even split. The court considers each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and economic situation, as well as the length of the marriage, to determine what a fair division of property is.

Similar factors are considered for alimony, which is the name for payments made from one spouse to the lower-earning spouse in order to provide financial support after separation and/or divorce. Depending on the needs of the family, alimony might be temporary, long-term, or permanent. It is important to note that alimony is not always required in Camden, South Carolina. Your attorney can help you figure out if alimony is warranted in your divorce case.

FAQs About Camden, SC Divorce Laws

What Is the First Step to Divorce in Camden?

The first step to divorce in Camden is filing the complaint with the court. However, on a more practical level, the first step for most people who get a divorce in South Carolina is to hire a divorce lawyer. Divorce can be complicated, and handling a divorce without a lawyer can be frustrating and lead to mistakes that can be costly and time-consuming. It is also important to note that there’s often a waiting period before spouses can file for divorce.

How Long Do You Have to Be Separated Before a Divorce in South Carolina?

In most cases, you have to be separated for a year before you can file for a divorce in South Carolina. However, there may be some cases, such as those where substance abuse or physical abuse are involved, where a spouse may be eligible to file for divorce before being separated for a year. If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible for divorce, your divorce attorney can help determine how the law applies to your case.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Camden?

The cheapest way to get a divorce in Camden is generally to file the paperwork yourself without a lawyer. However, it is only advised in very straightforward cases that do not include marital property division or children. Mistakes or omissions in the divorce process could lead to more costly and time-consuming issues in the future, so it is recommended to work with a divorce lawyer in most cases.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in South Carolina?

How long a divorce takes in South Carolina can vary from one case to the next, depending on several factors such as the complexity of the case, how willing both spouses are to negotiate, and whether alimony is needed. The factor that can make the biggest difference in how long a divorce takes in South Carolina is whether the divorce has to go to court to be resolved or if the spouses can come to an agreement outside of court.

Why You Should Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Camden

The outcome of your divorce can have a significant impact on your life and the lives of your children for years, so it is essential to get it right. Don’t take chances with your family’s future. Get the legal help you need and fierce legal representation you deserve.

At Deas Law Firm, we have successfully handled thousands of divorces in the Camden area, and our attorneys can work tirelessly to make sure you receive a fair divorce settlement that meets your needs. Reach out to our office today to set up an initial consultation and discuss the specifics of your case and the needs of your family.

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