Dedicated and Compassionate Spartanburg Family Law Attorney
A divorce, child custody dispute, or other family law matter can be a difficult and emotional experience to go through. It can be hard to stay calm and make the best decisions; you may simply want to get the process over with as soon as possible and move on with your life. But the decisions you make in a family law case can affect you and your family for years to come, and you want to make sure that your rights and interests, and those of your kids, are protected. The Chad Pye Law Firm handles all aspects of divorce and family law in Spartanburg with compassion, dedication, and strong advocacy for your interests in South Carolina family court.
South Carolina divorce facts and how The Chad Pye Law Firm can help
Although there are many fault-based grounds for divorce in South Carolina (adultery, desertion, physical cruelty, alcohol or drug use), most divorces are based on the no-fault ground of irreconcilable differences, even though this ground requires the parties to live apart for one year before the petition for divorce can be filed. The Chad Pye Law Firm represents parties in simple and contested divorces based on fault or no-fault grounds. In the case of a no-fault divorce, we also represent parties in an action for separate maintenance and support to cover living expenses before the divorce while the parties are living apart.
There may be many issues to be decided in a contested divorce. South Carolina judges have a lot of authority on how to rule, so it is vital to have strong, effective representation in court. The Chad Pye Law Firm helps in all of the following areas:
Property Division – The court will make an equitable distribution of marital property between the spouses. The judge looks at a long list of factors to decide what type of division would be equitable, or fair. We make sure all property and debts are located, properly characterized as marital or separate property, and properly valued for a fair distribution.
Alimony – There are many different ways alimony can be granted after a divorce, including in periodic payments over several years, or in one lump sum. The reasons alimony may be granted include to reimburse a spouse for time or expenses invested in the marriage, or to help a non-working spouse gain the necessary skills to enter the workforce and become self-supporting. The court considers a long list of factors to decide whether to grant any alimony at all, or if so, how much and to which spouse. We fight for your rights whether you are asking to receive alimony or being forced to pay.
Child Custody – The court will decide how parents share not only physical custody of the children, but also the legal authority to decide how they will be raised. A long list of factors are considered by the judge, but always with the child’s best interests foremost in mind. If your spouse’s proposal is not in your children’s best interests, we will work to create a practical agreement or litigate the issue fully in court.
Child Support – The amount of child support which may be ordered is based on both spouses’ incomes as a share of total income, along with child care costs, medical expenses and any special needs the child may have. The court may also deviate from the guidelines amount for any number of reasons. We make sure your spouse’s income is being reported accurately and argue for or against a deviation from the guidelines as appropriate.
Get Help with Your Spartanburg Divorce or Child Custody Dispute
If you are considering a divorce, or divorce papers have been served on you, or if you need representation in a child custody dispute or other South Carolina family law matter, contact The Chad Pye Law Firm in Spartanburg for assistance.