Blended families are now more normal in this country, and a new spouse might want to take steps to adopt a stepchild. There are several scenarios in which this might become an issue. A previously divorced parent may bring children into a new marriage, or a parent might marry with children who were born out of wedlock. There are a variety of reasons to pursue stepparent adoption, some practical and others more Read More
What Are My Rights as an Unwed Parent?
As many as half of all children born in South Carolina are to unwed parents. Whether you are the child's mother or father, the way that the law treats your rights is different than if you were married to your child's other parent. Do Unwed Parents Have Equal Rights? According to South Carolina law, Section 63-5-30, parents who are married have equal rights. Specifically, the law states that "neither parent has any Read More
Physical vs Legal Custody of Children
When you decide to separate from or divorce your spouse, there may be some contentious issues to resolve. This is particularly the case if you have minor children and are having trouble agreeing on who should have custody. When you divorce, custody of a child is broken down into two elements: physical and legal custody. While these may seem like the same thing, it's not unusual for physical and legal custody to have Read More
Child Support During College
Divorces are often as much about financial planning as they are about emotions. While both parents are likely anxious to begin their new life, there is also the issue of what is in the best interests of their children and their future. Alternatively, you may not have ever been married to your child's other parent, but these are still things that you'll need to consider for the financial welfare of your Read More
How to Choose a Divorce Attorney
Deciding to pursue a divorce or separation is certainly a difficult decision, but it can be only the first of many. You now need to hire a divorce attorney to ensure that someone fights for your rights and the best interests of your children. With issues as contentious as child custody and support, alimony, property division, and division of debts and assets on the line, the last thing you want to do is try to Read More
Obtaining a Passport for a Child in a Divorced Home
Traveling outside of the United States can become complicated in the best of circumstances. When you desire to have your minor child accompany you and you’re no longer married or together with his or her other parent, the situation can grow complex in a hurry. The federal government imposes strict regulations about obtaining consent from both parents when obtaining a passport for a child under the age of 16. This is Read More
How Divorce Effects Taxes
It’s that time of year again - tax time, that is. Indeed, taxes are due April 17, 2018, which means that if you haven’t started filing--or at least asked for an extension--the deadline is slowly closing in. If you were recently divorced, or if you are in the middle of a divorce, you may be wondering about how the divorce will affect your taxes. The good news is that mid-divorce, you won’t have much to worry about, Read More
Thinking of Divorce? Start Doing These 3 Things Now
Marriage isn’t always easy, and the average couple in a marriage will experience many highs and lows over their years together, with some of the lows being so low that the intervention of marriage counselor or other professional is a necessity. Indeed, some couples may even spend time apart at some point over the course of their marriage, or even think seriously about parting ways indefinitely. When divorce is on Read More
How To Adopt A Child in South Carolina
Some of the happiest moments in South Carolina's family courts take place when a judge finalizes an adoption. While some adoptions can be simple, such as when a stepparent or grandparent adopts their stepchild or grandchild and all parties consent, others are more complicated. When parental rights must be terminated, or there are matters involving out of state or international adoptions, it helps to know as much Read More
I Want My New Spouse to Adopt my Child
The make-up of the American family has shifted considerably, and we now embrace a wide variety of domestic situations that are in a child's best interests. In some cases, a stepparent may wish to fill the void that exists in a family and legally adopt their spouse's children. While close relationships are possible without legal adoption, there are several reasons why you may wish to take this important step. Why You Read More
