Charleston County Family Court
Time
Working Hours:
Monday:
8:30 am–5 pm
Tuesday:
8:30 am–5 pm
Wednesday:
8:30 am–5 pm
Thursday:
8:30 am–5 pm
Friday:
8:30 am–5 pm
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed
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Introduction to Charleston County Family Court
Charleston County Family Court is a specialized court that deals with a wide range of family-related legal issues. The Charleston County Family Court has the responsibility to provide a fair and impartial forum for individuals and families in the community to resolve their legal disputes.
Overview of the Charleston County Family Court
Charleston County Family Court is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and serves the residents of Charleston County. The Family Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of legal issues related to families and children, including divorce, child custody, domestic violence, adoption, and guardianship.
Purpose and role of the Charleston County Family Court
The purpose of the Charleston County Family Court is to provide a fair and impartial forum for individuals and families to resolve their legal disputes. The court is responsible for enforcing the law, protecting the rights of all parties involved, and making decisions that are in the best interest of the children involved in the cases.
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Types of Cases Handled by the Charleston County Family Court
The Charleston County Family Court handles a variety of legal issues related to families and children. Some of the most common types of cases handled by the court include:
Divorce and Separation
The Charleston County Family Court handles cases related to divorce and separation. This includes cases where the parties have agreed to end their marriage and cases where one party is seeking a divorce from the other.
Child custody and support
The Charleston County Family Court also handles cases related to child custody and support. This includes cases where the parents are unable to agree on a custody arrangement and cases where one parent is seeking to modify an existing custody agreement.
Domestic violence and abuse
The Charleston County Family Court handles cases related to domestic violence and abuse. This includes cases where a person has been the victim of domestic violence and is seeking a restraining order to protect themselves and their children.
Adoption and guardianship
The Charleston County Family Court handles cases related to adoption and guardianship. This includes cases where a person is seeking to adopt a child and cases where a person is seeking to be appointed as the guardian of a child.
Paternity
The Charleston County Family Court also handles cases related to paternity. This includes cases where a person is seeking to establish the paternity of a child and cases where a person is disputing the paternity of a child.
How to File a Case in the Charleston County Family Court
If you need to file a case in the Charleston County Family Court, there are several steps you need to follow:
Steps to filing a case
- Determine if the Charleston County Family Court has jurisdiction over your case.
- Choose the correct form for your case and fill it out.
- File the form with the Charleston County Family Court.
- Serve the other party with a copy of the form you filed.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances.
Required documents and fees
When you file a case in the Charleston County Family Court, you will need to provide certain documents and pay a filing fee. The exact documents and fees required will depend on the type of case you are filing.
Representing yourself in court
If you choose to represent yourself in court, you will be responsible for preparing and presenting your case. You will also be responsible for following the court rules and procedures.
Hiring an attorney
If you choose to hire an attorney, they will be responsible for representing you in court and preparing and presenting your case. They will also be able to provide you with legal advice and guidance throughout the process.
Court Procedures in the Charleston County Family Court
Once you have filed your case in the Charleston County Family Court, there are several court procedures you will need to be aware of:
Pretrial proceedings
Pretrial proceedings in the Charleston County Family Court may include pretrial conferences, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution methods.
Trial procedures
If your case goes to trial, you will need to be prepared to present your case in front of a judge. This may include presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and making arguments.
Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
The Charleston County Family Court encourages the use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution to resolve legal disputes. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps the parties involved to reach an agreement.
The Judges and Staff of the Charleston County Family Court
The Charleston County Family Court is made up of several judges and staff members who work together to provide a fair and impartial forum for individuals and families to resolve their legal disputes.
Qualifications and responsibilities of the judges
The judges of the Charleston County Family Court must be licensed to practice law in South Carolina. They are responsible for making decisions in the cases before them and enforcing the law.
Roles and duties of the court staff
The court staff of the Charleston County Family Court is responsible for a variety of tasks, including managing the court calendar, processing court documents, and providing assistance to the public.
Court Resources and Services Available to the Public
The Charleston County Family Court provides a variety of resources and services to the public, including:
Self-help center and legal assistance
The self-help center and legal assistance program at the Charleston County Family Court provides information and assistance to individuals who are representing themselves in court.
Court forms and documents
The Charleston County Family Court provides a variety of court forms and documents that are available to the public.
Case management and scheduling
The Charleston County Family Court manages and schedules the cases that are heard in the court.
Interpreter services
The Charleston County Family Court provides interpreter services for individuals who need assistance communicating in court.
Tips for Navigating the Charleston County Family Court System
If you are navigating the Charleston County Family Court system, there are several tips that can help you:
Preparing for court appearances
- Familiarize yourself with the court rules and procedures.
- Gather all relevant documents and evidence.
- Dress appropriately for court.
- Be on time for all court appearances.
Understanding the court rules and procedures
- Read the court rules and procedures carefully.
- Ask questions if you are unsure about something.
- Follow the court rules and procedures at all times.
Being respectful and professional in court
- Address the judge and court staff appropriately.
- Speak clearly and calmly.
- Avoid interrupting others.
- Listen attentively to the proceedings.
Keeping a record of the proceedings
- Take notes during the proceedings.
- Keep a record of important dates and deadlines.
- Keep a record of any agreements or decisions made in court.
Charleston County Family Court Docket
The Charleston County Family Court docket is a list of all the cases that are scheduled to be heard in the court. The docket is updated regularly and includes information about the case, such as the parties involved, the date and time of the hearing, and the type of case.
Charleston County Court Records
Charleston County Court records are the official records of the cases that have been heard in the Charleston County Court. The records include information about the parties involved, the date and time of the hearing, and the outcome of the case. Charleston County Court records are public records and are available to the public.
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Charleston County Family Court Phone Number
The phone number for the Charleston County Family Court is available on the court’s website. You can also contact the court directly by calling the main line and asking for the Family Court division.
Charleston County Divorce Forms
The Charleston County Family Court provides a variety of forms for individuals who are filing for divorce. The forms can be found on the court’s website and include a petition for divorce, a response to a petition for divorce, and a final decree of divorce.
Conclusion
The Charleston County Family Court provides a fair and impartial forum for individuals and families to resolve their legal disputes. Whether you are filing a case or navigating the court system, it is important to be prepared and understand the court rules and procedures.
Frequently asked questions
- What types of cases does the Charleston County Family Court handle?
- The Charleston County Family Court handles a wide range of family-related legal issues, including divorce, child custody, domestic violence, adoption, and guardianship.
- How do I file a case in the Charleston County Family Court?
- To file a case in the Charleston County Family Court, you need to choose the correct form, fill it out, and file it with the court. You will also need to serve the other party with a copy of the form you filed.
- Can I represent myself in court?
- Yes, you can represent yourself in court. However, it is recommended that you hire an attorney to represent you.
- What resources and services are available to the public at the Charleston County Family Court?
- The Charleston County Family Court provides a variety of resources and services to the public, including self-help centers, legal assistance, court forms and documents, case management and scheduling, and interpreter services.
- What should I do to prepare for a court appearance?
- To prepare for a court appearance, you should familiarize yourself with the court rules and procedures, gather all relevant documents and evidence, dress appropriately, and be on time.
