Off the Record: A Legal Podcast

Child Support in South Carolina: Worksheets, Required Documents, and How the Numbers Get Calculated

Episode Summary:In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law paralegals Lisette Marin and Danielle Stubbs from the law office of Rhett Burney discuss the essential financial information needed for calculating child support in South Carolina. They break down the required paperwork, court expectations, and how various financial factors influence the child support calculation process.
Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:45 – Initial financial information required for child support calculation02:15 – Using guideline worksheets to calculate child support04:00 – Documenting child care and health insurance costs for court review06:30 – Considering household schedules and payment arrangements08:10 – The importance of complete records in preparing accurate worksheets10:05 – Delays caused by missing or incomplete information in child support cases12:20 – Streamlining the process by providing necessary financial documents14:30 – Paralegals' role in supporting accurate paperwork preparation for child support cases
About the Show:*Off the Record* is a legal podcast featuring insightful discussions on various legal topics, including family law, estate planning, and more. Join us each episode as we delve into the nuances of the legal system and provide valuable insights for our listeners.

Temporary Hearings in South Carolina: What Needs to Be Ready and How the Court Moves Quickly

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law paralegals, Danielle Stubbs and Lisette Marin from the law offices of Rhett Burney, delve into the intricacies of temporary hearings in family law cases. They discuss the significance of temporary hearings at the early stages of a case, the crucial documents needed, and the essential preparation process for clients. Listeners gain valuable insights into the timeline, coordination, and importance of thorough documentation for a smooth temporary hearing experience.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – What is a temporary hearing and when does it usually take place?
04:15 – Essential documents required for a temporary hearing
06:20 – Preparation and formatting of the client's affidavit
09:05 – Coordination and scheduling process for temporary hearings
10:45 – Importance of key records and information for a complete hearing packet
13:20 – Smooth temporary hearing experiences through timely document submission
15:40 – Recommendations for organizing and tracking necessary documents
18:10 – Support and organization provided by paralegals in the preparation process
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that provides insightful discussions on various legal topics, featuring industry experts and professionals. Join us for in-depth conversations, practical advice, and expert guidance on navigating legal challenges and understanding complex legal processes.

The Divorce Process in South Carolina: Forms, Timelines, and What Happens First

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law paralegals from the office of Rhett Burney, Lisette Marin, and Danielle Stubbs discuss the essential steps involved in initiating a divorce process in South Carolina. From gathering necessary documents like marriage licenses and birth certificates to understanding the significance of proper service and timelines, the paralegals provide valuable insights into the early stages of a divorce case.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:30 – Required documents for initiating a divorce
- 03:15 – Importance of organizing financial records before filing
- 05:40 – Procedural steps post-filing and the significance of proper service
- 08:10 – Methods of serving legal documents and ensuring proper service
- 10:45 – Timelines and deadlines to follow after filing for divorce
- 12:20 – October rule changes regarding temporary hearings
- 14:55 – Benefits of exchanging evidence prior to temporary hearings
- 17:30 – Impact of client organization on case efficiency
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, offering valuable insights and expert advice on navigating legal procedures and challenges in divorce cases.

Emergency Medical Care for Minors: What Happens If You Aren’t There?

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law expert Melissa Smith sheds light on the complexities of emergency medical decision-making in scenarios where parents are unavailable or in the midst of custody disputes. From the authority of medical providers to the rights of non-custodial parents, Melissa offers valuable insights into navigating legal matters concerning children's healthcare.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Medical providers' authority in emergency situations
01:30 – Handling medical decisions when only one parent is reachable
02:15 – Differentiating routine medical decisions from true emergencies
03:00 – Rights of non-custodial parents at the hospital
04:10 – Importance of parenting plans and custody orders in emergencies
05:00 – Legal authority of caregivers during emergencies
06:00 – Documents like medical consent forms to avoid confusion
07:00 – Conversations to have with caregivers, schools, and family members about emergency plans
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, offering expert insights and advice on navigating legal challenges. With a focus on empowering individuals with knowledge, the show aims to provide clarity on complex legal issues.

Protecting the Family Home: What Happens to Property After You Pass Away

Episode Summary:
Melissa Smith, a family law attorney, delves into the legal aspects of safeguarding your family home in South Carolina. She emphasizes the importance of legally documenting your wishes to ensure a smooth transfer of property after your passing, shedding light on common misconceptions and potential pitfalls in estate planning.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:17 – Importance of legal documentation for property transfer
03:45 – Ways to transfer a home after death in South Carolina
05:20 – Understanding probate and will execution
07:10 – Risks of co-owning a home or using joint tenancy
09:05 – Addressing disputes in leaving a home to multiple heirs
11:30 – Benefits of using a trust in real estate management
13:45 – Planning ahead to avoid complications in property division
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that offers expert insights on estate planning, family law, and other legal matters. Join us as we explore practical solutions and valuable advice to protect what matters most to you.

Parental Alienation: When One Parent Turns the Kids Against the Other

Episode Summary:
In this episode, family law attorney Melissa Smith sheds light on parental alienation, a complex issue in custody cases where one parent influences a child's opinion of the other. Melissa explains the challenges of proving parental alienation, the impact on children, and ways to protect and repair parent-child relationships amidst divorce.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:45 – Definition and Real-life Implications of Parental Alienation
- 01:30 – Factors to Consider Before Assuming Parental Alienation
- 03:15 – South Carolina Courts' Approach to Parental Alienation
- 04:45 – Recognizing Signs of Influence on the Child's Opinion
- 06:10 – Balancing Proving Alienation and Repairing Relationships
- 07:30 – Differentiating Between Alienation and Communication Breakdown
- 09:05 – Constructive Steps for Parents Outside of Court
- 10:20 – Supporting Clients to Focus on Long-term Goals
- 11:45 – Initial Steps for Parents Suspecting Alienation
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into complex family law issues, offering valuable insights and guidance for parents navigating custody challenges. Hosted by experienced professionals in the field, each episode provides clarity and actionable advice for listeners facing similar situations.

When Your Ex Won’t Follow the Court Order: How Enforcement Works in Family Court

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Off the Record*, family law attorney Melissa Smith sheds light on child support enforcement in South Carolina. From defining contempt of court to exploring enforcement options, Melissa provides valuable insights for anyone navigating child support challenges.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Gathering Evidence Before Heading to Court
01:30 – Defining Contempt of Court in South Carolina
02:15 – Filing for Enforcement: Paperwork and Hearings
03:00 – Remedies for Unpaid Child Support and Missed Visitation Exchanges
04:10 – Potential Penalties for Contempt of Court
05:20 – Balancing Conflict and Enforcement
06:00 – Differentiating Between Willful Noncompliance and Inability to Pay
07:00 – Modifying Court Orders Due to Repeated Violations
08:10 – Documenting Violations for Court Consideration
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, offering insights and guidance for individuals navigating legal challenges. Hosted by industry experts, each episode provides practical advice and information to empower listeners in understanding and addressing legal issues effectively.

DIY Wills & Online Templates: Why They Often Backfire in South Carolina

Episode Summary: 
In this episode of *Off the Record*, Rhett Burney sheds light on the pitfalls of creating wills and estate plans using online templates. He discusses the common issues that arise from these DIY documents, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional legal advice to avoid future complications.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:30 – Common issues with online wills
- 02:45 – Importance of family dynamics in estate planning
- 04:10 – Misconceptions about simplicity in estate planning
- 05:25 – Legal requirements and witnessing in South Carolina
- 07:00 – Conflicts in beneficiary designations and property titling
- 08:20 – Avoiding legal disputes with professionally prepared documents
- 09:45 – Limitations of one-size-fits-all estate planning
- 11:05 – Signs that DIY wills need professional review
- 12:30 – Risks versus benefits of online will creation
About the Show: 
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that provides valuable insights into various legal matters, including estate planning, family law, and more. Tune in to gain expert knowledge and advice from seasoned attorney Rhett Burney.

Breastfeeding & Custody: How South Carolina Judges Handle Infant Parenting Schedules

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Off the Record*, Rhett Burney discusses the complexities of custody and visitation schedules in South Carolina, specifically focusing on how breastfeeding can impact court decisions. Rhett sheds light on how judges handle cases where breastfeeding becomes a contentious issue between parents and emphasizes the importance of creating stability and fairness for both parents involved.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:45 – Court considerations when setting custody schedules
03:30 – Balancing breastfeeding and non-custodial parent rights
06:15 – Transitioning visitation schedules as the child grows
08:10 – Expert involvement in custody cases involving breastfeeding
10:20 – Court expectations during the transition to longer visits
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various family law topics, offering insights and expertise from attorney Rhett Burney. With over 30 years of experience, Rhett helps South Carolina families navigate the complexities of custody, visitation, and parenting plans. Tune in to gain valuable legal perspectives and practical advice on family law matters.

Out-of-State Property: How Vacation Homes, Land, and Second Properties Affect Your South Carolina Estate Plan

Episode Summary:
Attorney Rhett Burney shares insights on handling properties in different states during estate planning. From trust setups to probate processes, he explains the complexities and offers solutions for a seamless transition of ownership.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Handling multi-state properties
01:30 – Trusts vs. estates for property management
02:15 – Simplifying property transfers through survivorship deeds
03:00 – Ancillary probate and its implications
04:10 – Factors determining property titling decisions
05:00 – Addressing complications with shared properties
06:20 – Pre-planning property inheritance to avoid conflicts
07:30 – Seeking advice for properties in states with different rules
08:15 – Communicating property plans with loved ones for clarity and consensus
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast featuring attorney Rhett Burney, offering valuable insights into estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate processes. Tune in to gain practical knowledge and guidance on navigating legal complexities.