Columbia Family Law

At Melone Hatley, P.C., our experienced Columbia family lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through various family law matters. Here’s how we will assist you in specific areas.

Divorce Cases

Our attorneys will provide you with clear guidance on the divorce process, helping you understand your rights and options. We will assist in property division, ensuring that your interests are protected, and advocate for a fair arrangement.

Our team is committed to making this challenging transition as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on your future.

Child Custody and Support Cases

Child custody and support issues are often the most emotionally charged aspects of family law. We will work closely with you to develop a custody arrangement that prioritizes your child’s best interests.

Our attorneys will advocate for your rights as a parent while ensuring that court orders meet your child’s needs. Additionally, we will help you negotiate child support matters, ensuring that financial arrangements are fair and adequately reflect your and your co-parent’s responsibilities.

Separation Cases

If you are considering a legal separation, our family lawyers will provide the support you need. We will help you understand the implications of separation, including how it affects property division and child custody.

Our team will work with you to create a separation arrangement that outlines the terms of your arrangement, protecting your rights and interests during this transitional period.

Alimony Cases

Alimony, or spousal support, can be a contentious issue in divorce proceedings. Our Columbia, SC, family attorneys will work diligently to assess your financial situation and determine whether alimony is appropriate in your case.

We will advocate for a fair alimony arrangement that reflects your needs and contributions during the marriage, whether you are seeking support or contesting an alimony request.

At Melone Hatley, P.C., we are committed to providing personalized legal solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Our Columbia, SC, family law firm understands that no two families are the same, and we never apply a standardized approach to our clients’ cases.

Instead, we take the time to listen to your goals, explain your options, and advocate for your best interests. During your free, no-obligation consultation, you can learn more about how we will use our knowledge and experience to help you.

Handling family law matters in South Carolina requires an understanding of specific statutes that govern issues such as divorce, child custody, and alimony.

At Melone Hatley, P.C., our experienced Columbia, South Carolina, family lawyers are well-versed in these laws and will fight for your best interests. Here are some key statutes that may apply to your case.

Divorce Laws

In South Carolina, the court grants divorces on several grounds, including adultery, physical cruelty, and continuous separation for at least one year under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10. The specific grounds for divorce can significantly affect the proceedings and potential outcomes.

Our lawyers will help you determine the most appropriate grounds for your situation, guide you through the filing process, and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Child Custody

S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240 emphasizes the best interests of your child when determining custody arrangements. Your child’s relationship with you and your co-parent, both your ability to provide for your child and your child’s own preferences, will factor into a court order.

Our attorneys will advocate for a custody arrangement that prioritizes your child’s well-being and helps you present a compelling case to the court.

Child Support

Child support calculations in South Carolina follow specific guidelines based on your and your co-parent’s incomes and the needs of your child, per S.C. Code Ann. § 63-17-20. The law aims to ensure that your children receive adequate financial support.

Our family lawyers in Columbia will advocate for you and your child before the court and work toward a child support arrangement that is fair and reflects both of your financial circumstances.