Family law battles across South Carolina destroy families emotionally and financially—divorce proceedings that drag for years, custody disputes where children become weapons, and ex-spouses weaponizing courts to maintain control long after marriages end.
Available 24/7 - Statewide Family Law Representation
Whether facing divorce in Columbia, fighting for custody in Charleston, seeking child support modification in Greenville, dealing with domestic violence in Spartanburg, or confronting family law issues anywhere across South Carolina's 46 counties, these cases involve your children, your financial security, and your future.
Matt McGuire has represented family law clients across South Carolina for over three decades, understanding how custody evaluations affect parenting time, how property gets hidden during asset division, and how to protect clients from spouses using litigation as harassment.
Family law requires attorneys who understand both the emotional dynamics driving disputes and the legal strategies that protect your interests. Our statewide practice brings decades of Family Court experience to every case, from straightforward divorces to complex custody battles.
Building compelling custody cases that demonstrate your parenting strengths, address opposing claims, and position you for favorable outcomes in temporary and final hearings.
Uncovering hidden assets through forensic accounting, subpoenas, and investigation while protecting your fair share of marital property from manipulation.
Ensuring accurate income determination for child support and alimony, including imputation for underemployed spouses and proper calculation of self-employment income.
Obtaining emergency protection when domestic violence threatens safety, or defending against false allegations that affect custody and reputation.
Over 30 years appearing in Family Courts throughout South Carolina's 46 counties, with established relationships essential to effective advocacy.
South Carolina Family Courts handle cases that define your family's future. We represent clients in all family law matters throughout the state, from initial filings through appeals when necessary.
Contested and uncontested divorce representation including no-fault separations and fault-based grounds such as adultery, physical cruelty, or desertion.
Legal and physical custody disputes, parenting plan development, custody modifications, and relocation matters affecting children's living arrangements.
Establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders using South Carolina Guidelines, including income determination for self-employed parents.
Permanent, rehabilitative, lump sum, or reimbursement alimony negotiation and litigation based on marriage duration and financial circumstances.
Equitable distribution of marital assets and debts including real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and investments acquired during marriage.
Orders of Protection for domestic violence victims, emergency hearings, and defense against allegations affecting custody and parental rights.
South Carolina requires one year of continuous separation before filing no-fault divorce. Fault-based grounds including adultery, cruelty, or desertion allow immediate filing. We help you understand your options and timeline.
Family law cases involve your most precious relationships and important assets. We approach every case understanding that your children's welfare, your financial security, and your peace of mind depend on thoughtful, aggressive representation.
While fiercely advocating for your parental rights, we never lose sight of what's best for your children—because courts focus on their welfare above all else.
We fight to protect your fair share of marital assets, ensure accurate support calculations, and prevent opposing parties from hiding or dissipating property.
Family law cases are emotionally devastating. We provide steady guidance through difficult decisions while remaining focused on strategic outcomes.
When settlement serves your interests, we negotiate effectively. When litigation is necessary, we're prepared to fight in court for the outcomes you deserve.
You'll always know where your case stands, what options exist, and what outcomes are realistic—no sugarcoating, just honest assessment and clear communication.
Family law encompasses numerous issues that require specialized knowledge and strategic handling. Understanding these areas helps you prepare for the challenges ahead.
In contested custody cases, courts appoint guardians to investigate both parents and recommend custody arrangements. We prepare you for this critical process.
Moving over 100 miles with children requires court approval under South Carolina law. We handle relocation requests and objections protecting your parental rights.
When circumstances change substantially, custody, support, or alimony orders may be modified. We pursue or defend modifications based on changed circumstances.
When ex-spouses violate court orders regarding custody, visitation, or support, contempt proceedings enforce compliance with potential jail consequences.
South Carolina allows grandparent visitation in certain circumstances. We represent grandparents seeking to maintain relationships with grandchildren.
When one parent undermines children's relationships with the other, courts may modify custody. We address alienation concerns in custody proceedings.
Family law requires attorneys who combine legal expertise with understanding of family dynamics. Matt McGuire brings over 30 years of Family Court experience throughout South Carolina, fighting for clients' families and futures.
Over 30 years representing clients in divorce, custody, support, and property division cases in Family Courts throughout South Carolina's 46 counties.
When cases can't settle, we're prepared for trial. Decades of courtroom experience means confident, effective advocacy before Family Court judges.
Many family law cases benefit from negotiated resolution. We pursue settlement when it serves your interests while remaining prepared for litigation.
Three decades of practice creates relationships with judges, opposing counsel, and court personnel throughout South Carolina essential to effective representation.
Family law often intersects with other practice areas. Our criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation experience provides comprehensive representation.
Family law decisions affect your life for years or decades. Understanding the consequences helps you approach these cases with appropriate seriousness.
Emergency and temporary hearings establish custody and support arrangements that often become permanent. Early representation ensures strong positioning from the start of your case.
Family law cases raise numerous questions about process, rights, and outcomes. Here are answers to questions South Carolina clients commonly ask about divorce, custody, and support.
No-fault divorce requires one year of separation before filing, then typically 90+ days after filing. Fault-based divorces can proceed immediately but may take longer if contested.
Courts apply the "best interests of the child" standard, considering parental fitness, stability, children's preferences (if mature enough), and each parent's ability to foster the child's relationship with the other parent.
South Carolina uses guidelines based on both parents' gross incomes, overnights with each parent, and work-related childcare costs. Courts can deviate for extraordinary circumstances.
Courts consider marriage duration, each spouse's earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, contributions to the marriage, and marital misconduct among other factors.
No. South Carolina uses "equitable distribution," meaning fair—not necessarily equal—division based on numerous factors including contributions, economic circumstances, and marital conduct.
Relocating over 100 miles with children requires court approval. Courts consider the move's purpose, impact on the non-relocating parent's relationship, and children's best interests.
Discovery procedures including interrogatories, document requests, and depositions help uncover hidden assets. Forensic accountants can trace concealed income or transferred property.
Yes, when substantial changes in circumstances occur—job loss, relocation, remarriage, or changed children's needs. You must prove the change and that modification serves children's best interests.
With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina.
McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation.
McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here.
Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.
Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection for your family. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your family law case.
Matt McGuire has represented family law clients across South Carolina for over 30 years, protecting parents' rights, children's interests, and financial security in Family Courts throughout all 46 counties.
