Executive Summary: In South Carolina family law cases, you generally cannot pick your judge or change judges without a valid legal reason. The main way to request a new judge is through a motion to disqualify or recuse the current judge, based on evidence of bias or conflict of interest. Simple disagreement with rulings is not enough. If the motion is denied, the issue can often be preserved for appeal. Other tools, Read More

Executive Summary: If you’re arrested in South Carolina, the first 72 hours are crucial. You have constitutional rights, like the right to remain silent and to get a lawyer, which apply immediately. A bond hearing usually happens within 24 hours, and a judge decides your release terms. After release, you should organize all paperwork and contact legal help quickly. Acting promptly and clearly in these early hours Read More

Getting hurt in an accident is stressful enough without dealing with a claim that falls apart because of something you did or didn’t do. After an injury, insurance companies and courts pay close attention to details. A small misstep can cost you money or even shut down your claim entirely. Knowing what not to do can make a real difference in whether you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and Read More

When your marriage is ending, it might feel natural to look for connection, companionship, or simply someone new to talk to. Still, in South Carolina, dating too soon can bring unexpected legal problems. Knowing what is allowed and what can hurt your case can keep dating from becoming a liability. What the Law in South Carolina Says About Dating Before Divorce South Carolina does not recognize “legal separation.” Read More

  Executive Summary: If police question you in South Carolina, you can invoke your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney. You should stick to giving your name and ID if required, and avoid sharing extra explanations. Don’t lie, don’t argue, and don’t waive your rights early. Clear, respectful statements can safeguard your rights during a stressful moment. When an officer approaches and starts asking Read More

  Executive Summary: A store may be liable under South Carolina law for your slip-and-fall if it failed to take reasonable steps to find or fix hazards it knew or should have known about. You must show that you were lawfully on the property, the store breached its duty, that breach caused your injury, and you suffered harm. The store may escape liability if the hazard was recent or your own behavior contributed to Read More

Divorce can be messy enough without worrying about debt that isn’t even yours. It’s common to wonder what happens to the bills your spouse ran up, especially if you weren’t the one spending the money. In South Carolina, though, it’s not always about who spent what. Debt can get divided just like property, and if you’re not careful, you could end up paying for things you didn’t sign up for. Before you agree to Read More

A criminal record can follow you around long after your case is over. Even if the charge was minor or you didn’t end up convicted, it can still show up on background checks. That can make it harder to get a job, find housing, or even go back to school. In South Carolina, expungement offers a way to clear certain charges from your record, but not every charge qualifies. If you’re wondering whether your record can be Read More

You’re in a car accident. The damage to your car is one thing, but the medical bills can hit even harder. Ambulance rides, emergency rooms, X-rays, and follow-up visits all add up quickly. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may assume the other driver’s insurance will pay. But in South Carolina, it’s not that simple. The truth is, your medical bills don’t get paid automatically by the other driver’s insurance. Read More

Divorce can raise many questions about money—what gets divided, what doesn’t, and what happens to things you thought were yours alone. One of the most common questions we hear is about inheritance. If you received money or property from a parent, grandparent, or other relative, will you have to split it in your divorce? In South Carolina, the answer depends on how the inheritance was handled during the marriage. Some Read More