Protecting the innocent while seeking justice.
Making Hard Decisions Easier
Soltuions for Family Disputes
" I develop legal solutions for South Carolina families and help them through the difficult times that accompany divorce and separation. "
Mathias Chaplin
Attorney
Divorce
Legal Separation
Division of Property
Alimony
Child Custody & Visitation
Child Support
Child Neglect & Child Abuse
Family Law Practice Area
The lawyer you choose, will make a difference
Mathias G. Chaplin has a strong family law reputation. Put that reputation to work for your family and get the help you deserve when you’re ready.
Let's Get Started On Your Case
Family Law
Work with an attorney who has your family's best interest in mind.
Many family law processes can result in high-cost litigation and prolonged disputes. If your goal is to minimize the time or costs of a divorce or other family law action, I can help. My family law practice is focused on successfully resolving family law disputes while remaining mindful of the costs and commitments of my clients.
My cases range from high-stakes disputes involving complex property division and spousal support to amicable, low-cost uncontested divorces.
The divorce settlement is the backbone of what will happen to your family down the road. The Law Office of Mathias G. Chaplin makes sure to know your family needs, and then I do everything within the law to get it for you. If I can negotiate, I will; if I need to litigate; I will.
The rules governing family law in South Carolina are complex and often involve a devastating time period for everyone involved. I am able to provide you with the individual attention you need to serve your best interest. I will give you advice, explain your rights, present your legal options and develop the best strategy to ensure your family’s needs are met.
My unique combination of talent, experience and exclusive focus on family gives you the benefit of having a knowledgeable representative fight to make sure your interests are protected. I endeavor to settle your case amicably but I am willing to aggressively take your case to court.
Divorce & Legal Separation
If you and/or your spouse seek legal separation, similar rules to divorce apply. However, the grounds are not as strict and the judges do not require as much proof. Although you remain married, the following become legally defined:
- Divorce Filing
- Alimony
- Restraining orders
- Division of Property
- Child Custody Arrangement
- Child Visitation
- Child Support Setup
Other practice areas
Why Choose Us?
FREE DUI Consultation
Flexible Payment Plans
Available 365 Days A Year - Including Nights
Child Custody & Visitation
The state encourages both parents to remain engaged and involved in their child’s life, however, family court judges consider a broad range of factors when deciding where a child will spend his or her nights and how much time each parent will spend with a child.
- Which parent served as the primary caretaker during the relationship?
- The stability of each parent’s home environment
- The character, fitness, attitude and inclinations of each parent
- The child’s preference, if the child is deemed of suitable age and maturity to make a decision
- The existence of any physical abuse, sexual abuse or domestic violence, or any immoral conduct by either parent
- The opinion of a court-appointed guardian ad litem
- Any written agreement that both parents have reached
Child Support
Child support orders are based on two primary factors:
- The income of both parties
- The amount of time each party spends with the children.
Generally, the non-custodial parent, or the parent whose income is the highest, pays support to the other parent for the time period that the children are not in his or her custody. In other words, the more time the non-custodial parent spends with the children, the less child support s/he will be ordered to pay to the custodial parent.
Law Firm
Practice Areas
4511 N Main St, Columbia, SC 29203
© Copyright 2023 Law Office of Mathias G. Chaplin, PA
Web Services: Greene Street Designs
