Easley Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is never ideal. But when it’s the only option, that is why you need a compassionate Easley divorce lawyer to see you through it. Divorce is a brave first step to exiting an unhealthy relationship, but it will also require you to make tough decisions about the rest of your life.

When your family’s future is on the line, divorce lawyer Greg Steele can help you take the next steps toward a better tomorrow.

Filing for Divorce in Easley, SC

A divorce can leave you feeling uncertain about your future. A family law attorney can provide clarity by walking you through the divorce and preparing you for each step of the legal process.

Establishing Residency

To file for divorce in South Carolina, you must have resided in the state for:

• One year, if one party if the filing party is not a resident of the state OR
• Three months if both parties are residents of the state

Grounds for Divorce

Grounds for divorce are reasons for a court to grant a legal separation. A divorce can be granted on a fault or no-fault basis for reasons including:

• Adultery
• Physical violence
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Desertion for a period of one year

In a fault-based divorce, you must show that your spouse was responsible for your marriage’s failure based on the above grounds. However, in a no-fault divorce, you must show that you and your spouse lived separately for a year or more.

Filing a Petition

Easley divorce lawyers can walk you through the divorce process and prepare the required paperwork to file a divorce petition (a Summons and Complaint). This document states the grounds on which you wish to be divorced and how you would like marital assets, debts, child support, child custody, spousal support, and other family court matters to be handled.

We will then file the action with the courthouse and pay the $150 filing fee, initiating the divorce proceedings. Depending on your location, this may be Anderson County Family Court, Pickens County Courthouse, or Greenville County Family Court. South Carolina also requires that you notify your spouse of the divorce action. Therefore, they will be personally served with a certified copy of the Summons and Complaint and have 30 days to file an Answer with a Complaint and Counterclaim.

Finalizing Your Divorce

A standard waiting period is 90 days before your divorce can be finalized. If you and your spouse can agree to settlement terms, you can move forward with signing the final decree of divorce and appear before the Family Court judge in Pickens, Anderson, or Greenville County. Once the judge signs off, your divorce will be final.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested will majorly impact the entire process. An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which you and your spouse agree on all matters related to the divorce. This is the quickest way to resolve for all parties; however, we understand that not every divorce will be a smooth ride.

If your divorce is contested, or you and your spouse disagree on some or all of the matters in your divorce, the process will be lengthier, requiring meetings, mediation, or trial before it can be finalized.

At our law office, we understand that legal separation and divorce can be trying times, but we’ll advocate for you every step of the way.

Contact an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Near Easley

Regardless of the circumstances of your divorce, what’s important is that you have qualified legal representation to back you up. You need a trusted family law attorney that understands divorce, family law issues, and the South Carolina legal process.

There’s a lot on the line when you’re going through a divorce. Put experience on your side; contact an experienced divorce attorney at Greg Steele Law today.