Family Court Is Nothing Like the Movies We’ve all seen the Hollywood version of a trial: The bailiff orders everyone in the courtroom to rise, the judge takes the bench, the stone- faced jury files in, and the foreman hands the verdict to the clerk. Spoiler alert: Most of what is pictured on TV does not actually happen in a South Carolina family courtroom. Our family courts are courts of equity, which means that parties ask for remedies, not damages. Money and other property are certainly at issue in domestic litigation, but final decisions are made by judges, not juries. While most cases eventually settle, trials can happen in family court. So, what does a trial in family court look like? First, by the time your case reaches trial, a couple of things will have happened. Most cases have a temporary hearing soon after the case is filed. A temporary hearing is when a judge decides certain issues on a temporary basis (like custody, visitation, child support, or alimony). Those issues and any others held over by the court are still subject to a final hearing or trial.
Sweet and Zesty Detox Salad
Ingredients
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3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage 1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds 1/3 cup sliced green onions
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1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger 1 tablespoon honey
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1 diced avocado
1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing: •
1 large carrot, roughly chopped
1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately. Directions SUDOKU (Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com.)
By statute, all contested cases must be mediated before a final hearing can be requested. That means that the parties and their attorneys will attend mediation with a neutral third party and attempt to resolve some or all of the contested issues. Sometimes, these issues are too complicated or the parties’ positions are too far apart, and as a result, mediation just doesn’t work. In that event, your case will proceed to trial. Remember, only the judge hears evidence in family court. The parties testify, and if custody is an issue, a guardian ad litem will be appointed for your child to represent his or her best interests. If property division is an issue, evidence will be presented as to the values of the assets and debts, as well as to whom the property should be awarded. If a fault-based grounds for divorce has been alleged, evidence will be presented as to why the innocent party should be granted a divorce. Trials in family court typically last a day or so, and they are nothing like the movies. However, no two trials are alike. Our attorneys have tried many cases in family courts all across South Carolina, and we are here to help. Contact us today at 864-598-9172 to discuss your case.
3 (864) 598-9172
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