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There is more than one way to end a marriage. Generally, a married couple must seek a divorce to end the legally binding marriage contract between them. There are, however, instances when a marriage can be annulled, which – for legal purposes – means it never happened in the first…
If you are facing a divorce in South Carolina, property division is a major consideration, and how debt is treated in the equation is another concern. The equitable – or fair – division of property in a South Carolina divorce is always based on the unique circumstances involved, and having…
In South Carolina, a first-time DUI charge carries less hefty fines and penalties than subsequent charges, but there is nothing minor about the consequences you’ll face. If you’ve been charged with a first DUI offense, the most important move you can make is reaching out for the trusted legal representation…
In the past, officers’ statements about arrests were generally considered beyond reproach unless there was considerable proof to the contrary. In the age of a smartphone on every person and a bodycam on every officer, this is changing. We’ve all seen news clips of bystanders using their phones to record…
These days, everybody seems to be wearing headphones or earbuds while working out. Although convenient, headphones isolate pedestrians from the outside world, putting them at a greater risk of getting hurt. If you are a pedestrian, you should think twice before using headphones while mobile. Keep reading to learn about…
A short trip to the movies is rudely cut short when you are rear-ended. You suffer minor cuts and bruises but otherwise feel fine. You and the other driver exchange contact and insurance information, but neither of you bothers to call the police. Both of you get into your vehicles…
You drop your kids off at your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s house, not knowing what they have in store for this weekend. Your spouse parks them in front of the television, choosing to play bass guitar over spending time with them. On Saturday morning, your spouse forces the kids to get up…
If you are at least 21 years of age in South Carolina, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater. If you are under 21 years of age, you are driving illegally with a blood alcohol level of 0.04% or greater….
Defined as crimes that have a financial motive or involve a power play, white-collar crimes are on the rise. Even though white-collar crimes are non-violent in nature, white-collar crimes are estimated to cost victims anywhere from $426 billion to $1.7 trillion annually. Offenders may be charged under state or federal…
In fiscal year 2022, 1,001 individuals were prosecuted for money laundering. Money laundering is an increasing concern in our society and is considered an offense committed by wealthy businessmen and politicians. Money laundering involves taking illegally earned money and making it appear as though it was earned through legitimate means….
In cases in which parents cannot come to an agreement on a visitation schedule, it is left to a judge’s discretion. When a visitation schedule is issued by the court, parents are legally obligated to follow it. Many people may not be aware that a child cannot refuse visitation until…
If you are contemplating divorce, you may be thinking of moving out of your primary residence. While getting a divorce can be an emotional time for anyone, if you decide to leave prematurely, it may create more issues than it resolves. In this blog, our South Carolina divorce attorneys discuss…
Child support doesn’t automatically increase or decrease in the State of South Carolina. Instead, a modification that’s based on a substantial change, such as a significant pay raise, must be sought. Because the income of the parent who pays child support is a key component of every child support order,…
If you’ve been involved in a car accident that was caused by another motorist, it’s stressful enough. If, however, the other driver can’t produce a driver’s license when you engage in the post-accident exchange of contact information – which includes exchanging driver’s licenses and proof of insurance – it makes…
Distracted drivers are a major concern on our roadways, and motorists who are more interested in their phones than in navigating the road safely put everyone at increased risk. If you’ve suffered an injury due to a driver who was on their phone at the time of the accident, you…
South Carolina is a beautiful state with many scenic drives, but it also sees its fair share of traffic and dangerous traffic accidents. There are specific roads, highways, and intersections throughout the state that are particularly prone to serious accidents, and having a better understanding of where these hot spots…
Motorists accept an immense responsibility when they drive, and part of this responsibility includes exercising due care, which includes maintaining their vehicles in roadworthy condition. Car accidents are exceptionally dangerous, and the claims that follow are legally complex. If you’ve suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence, an experienced…
South Carolina has specific laws about operating a bike, including requirements about lights when you ride at night. These laws are designed to help protect bicyclists from the immense physical, financial, and emotional consequences of a bike accident. If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury in…
If you’re facing a divorce, you and your divorcing spouse are going through an especially difficult time, but the consequences of your divorce can reverberate throughout your extended family. While children can take the matter of divorce especially hard, it doesn’t stop there. Your parents – your children’s grandparents on…
When you get behind the wheel of your vehicle in the State of South Carolina, you take on the immense responsibility that goes along with this privilege, and there is an implied consent law that applies. DUI charges come with serious legal and social consequences that can disrupt your future…
In the State of South Carolina, motorists are not required to report every minor accident on the road to the authorities – there is a protocol for car accidents that cause very little damage. It’s also important to keep in mind, however, that even fender benders can lead to considerable…
Witnessing a hit-and-run accident is stressful, and at that moment, you may have no idea how best to proceed. If this is the challenging position you are in, however, there are things you can do to help, and the person left by the side of the road is lucky you’re…
When a case that involves child custody, such as divorce, legal separation, or paternity proceedings, concludes, a child support order will always be involved. Child support amounts are dependent on specific factors that courts determine by using a guideline calculator. These days, using mediation or other alternative dispute resolution options…
The term white-collar crime refers to a broad range of crimes that are predominantly fraudulent and financially motivated. The majority of white-collar crimes are prosecuted at the federal level and charged as felonies. A federal white-collar crime conviction carries an extended prison sentence and costly fines. For example: Money Laundering…
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you’re likely facing mounting medical bills and may be experiencing lost earnings. In such a situation, it’s only natural to want your personal injury claim to proceed as quickly as possible. It’s important to note,…
Charleston is a charming city that is very inviting for bicyclists. When you get out on your bike, you do yourself a world of good, and it’s hard not to have a good time doing it. If, however, you’re injured by a negligent driver in the process, the losses you…
Passengers are not in control of the vehicle, but their actions and behaviors can significantly impact the driver’s ability to operate the car safely. In most cases, a passenger will not be held liable for causing a car accident. However, in unique circumstances, a passenger could be held responsible for…
Being involved in an accident can be a traumatic experience and being found partially at fault for an accident can be particularly frustrating. Liability issues can have a significant impact on the outcome of a personal injury case, and it is essential to seek the assistance of a personal injury…
In Charleston, South Carolina, pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we have observed various factors contributing to these incidents. Understanding these causes is crucial for both pedestrians and drivers to prevent such accidents and for victims to…
Being injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence can be a disorienting and overwhelming experience. Fortunately, a person injured due to another person’s reckless or intentional acts may seek compensation for their injuries and losses by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, the law…
South Carolina roadways are especially fatal to pedestrians and ranks as one of the deadliest states for pedestrians. Based on preliminary data from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association’s (GHSA) report, 174 pedestrians were killed in South Carolina in 2022. As with many types of road accidents, the cause of a…
No South Carolina business owner wants to find themselves in a commercial business dispute. A dispute brings the possibility of a lawsuit, thousands of dollars in legal fees and loss of the business. Some situations are more likely than others to cause a dispute....
As chidlren get ready to return to school, co-parents in South Carolina have additional matters they should settle to ensure that their children’s school year starts and continues on a successful path. Routines, finances and even communication are all factors that...
Doing business in South Carolina involves many variables, like when the market suddenly turns against you, your business services decline in popularity, or your business booms. However, if a dispute arises, there may be questions about the total amount your business...
A business valuation is a process that determines the economic value of your South Carolina company. While it may seem like a task for large corporations or during specific situations such as mergers or acquisitions, getting a business valuation can provide valuable...
Divorce can take its toll on every member of a South Carolina family. Children of all ages can struggle the most while their parents go through the process. Having a child-centered divorce can help ease the situation for everyone. Don’t fight in front of your child...
One of the most common fears among South Carolina parents who go through a divorce involves how their children will handle the sudden change in their lives. While divorce has the potential to bring out the worst in people, it doesn’t have to turn into something...
If you are charged with drug possession in South Carolina, you will have an opportunity to refute the government's allegation in court. Depending on the strength of your argument, it may be possible to have your case thrown out before it gets to trial. A strong...
South Carolina has over 400,000 small businesses that must protect themselves from credit card fraud. It’s an issue that many small businesses struggle to combat. Forbes Advisor reported 33 percent of small businesses in the US have been impacted by credit card fraud....
It is a common practice in South Carolina for business contracts to stipulate that the parties involved will settle legal disputes through arbitration instead of litigation. Arbitration is usually faster and less expensive than taking a case to court. Mediation...
Approximately 29,500 cases of burglary occur in South Carolina annually. It is the second most common type of property crime in the state. For the courts to decide that a burglary has occurred, three elements must be true. Breaking and entering The first element that...