Columbia Divorce & Family Law Attorneys

Professional and Experienced Divorce and Family Law Services

In the family law and divorce setting, it is important to hire an attorney who is compassionate and sympathetic, but will still work aggressively to achieve a result in your best interests, whether by trial or settlement. Since its founding in 2012 after the merger of two practices, the Law Offices of Shea & Barron provides representation for clients throughout South Carolina. Our Columbia divorce and family law attorneys strive to provide the straightforward advice you need to make informed decisions that balance your immediate and future interests.

Divorce Settlement Attorneys

Our firm maintains a reputation for providing the negotiation one needs when going through any separation or divorce. We regularly receive referrals from other attorneys and former clients to handle complex cases regarding property division, child custody and other family law issues.

We have significant experienced handling complex marital property division. We take a comprehensive approach, reviewing all the assets and taking any prenuptial agreements into account. Our attorneys work personally with each client to develop an effective strategy that protects his or her best interests.

We understand that each case, like each family, is unique. We examine all the individual issues, such as visitation rights and spousal support obligations, to determine the best possible course of action. We apply our problem-solving skills to help clients maintain realistic goals regarding their futures.

Pursuing All Options

As a certified family court mediator by the South Carolina Supreme Court, attorney David C. Shea uses his training to help families achieve amicable resolutions through mediation, wherever possible. If no equitable settlement can be obtained, he uses that same training to protect our clients’ rights and interests in court.

We also provide services for clients wishing to obtain a modification or enforcement of an existing agreement. We apply the same principles of dedication, preparation and personalized attention our clients deserve to obtain the best possible result.

Our firm also has experience appealing divorce settlements before the South Carolina appellate courts.

Schedule a Consultation

803-779-3099

Our Areas of Practice

Divorce

Child Custody

Child Support

Alimony

Guardian ad Litem Services

Prenuptial Agreement

Appeals

Mediation and Arbitration

Property Division

Divorce Modification

Name Changes

Visitation

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and Family Law

Below are questions frequently asked by people in need of a divorce attorney or domestic attorney. The section below is not intended as legal advice; consultation with an attorney on the client’s unique set of facts is necessary because the law is constantly evolving and changing. Each case in family court is different, and advice from friends or family, though well-meaning, might not be applicable to your situation and sometimes might even be harmful to your case.

What are the grounds for divorce in South Carolina?

There are five grounds for divorce in South Carolina, including four “fault grounds.” The fault grounds are:
1. Adultery
2. Physical cruelty
3. Habitual alcohol or drug abuse
4. Desertion
Many people also obtain a divorce on the “no-fault” ground of living separate and apart for more than one year without cohabitation.

What are the issues in a typical divorce case?

Six areas need to be resolved in a typical divorce case:
1. Grounds for the divorce;
2. Child custody and visitation;
3. Child support;
4. Division of marital property and debts;
5. Alimony (entitlement, amount, and duration); and
6. Attorney fees.

How much will my divorce cost?

Unfortunately, it’s hard to say. The cost depends on a number of factors:
1. The number of contested issues;
2. The amount of discovery necessary, including depositions;
3. Whether any unusual legal issues exist; or
4. Various other factors.
Also, expenses other than attorney fees include, such as process servers, private investigators, mediators, and Guardians ad Litem. In order to prevail in complex cases, it may be necessary to hire a forensic CPA, vocational experts, psychological experts, or other professionals.

Do I have to live apart from my spouse for a year before I can start proceedings?

No. This is a common misconception. It is possible to file for an Order of Separate Maintenance and Support and resolve all of the other issues except that of divorce.

Does the one year of separation start to toll if my spouse and I have separated but have not filed anything in court?

Yes. It begins from the last day of cohabitation.

Why don’t you offer free consultations?

During a consultation at our firm, a potential client learns much about the law and receives individualized advice from attorneys who are experienced in family law. By charging for consultations, only potential clients who are serious about addressing their unique concerns are scheduled, allowing the firm to devote its time to those clients rather than those who are seeking general information.

I suspect my spouse is cheating. What can I do?

A number of different actions can be taken to make this determination. However, a non-lawyer might advise you to do some things that might not be legal. You should consult with an attorney in such a situation to get individualized advice.

I am already divorced, but my ex spouse is not abiding by the terms of our order. Is there anything I can do?

Yes. You can ask the Court to hold your spouse in contempt by filing a Rule to Show Cause.

I’m already divorced, but a change in circumstances has occurred with respect to my children and/or finances. Can I get my divorce decree modified?

The Family Court always has jurisdiction to modify orders regarding custody, visitation, and child support. If the changes have been substantial and material, modification may be possible. Examples of substantial changes include moving out of commuting distance, physical or drug abuse of the other parent, loss of a job or an increase in income; and many other factors. Remarriage alone is not necessary a substantial change but may also be a factor.

Can I be ordered to pay college expenses for my child, or can I get my ex-spouse to help pay?

Yes, however there a a number of factors to be considered by the court to determine whether or not payment will be required, and to what extent and length of time.

I am an adult and would like to get my name changed. Is that possible?

Certainly. South Carolina’s name change laws were extensively revised in July 2002, and there are more steps required to obtain a name change than there were prior to that time. However, there often are no difficulties in you being allowed to change your name as long as the appropriate procedure is followed.

Contact Us Today

We invite potential clients to meet with Mr. Shea or Ms. Barron and discuss their individual situation and particular needs. Divorce consultations are billed at an hourly rate. If you have any questions, or if you would like to speak with an experienced attorney regarding your divorce or domestic relations matter, please do not hesitate to call our Columbia, South Carolina office at (803) 779-3099. We look forward to hearing from you!