Off the Record: A Legal Podcast

Welcome to Off the Record: A Legal Podcast, where we explore critical legal matters with expert insights from Attorney Rhett Burney. In each episode, we dive deep into essential topics ranging from family law to estate planning and probate in South Carolina. Whether you’re navigating a divorce, planning your estate, or dealing with probate issues, Rhett brings clarity, expertise, and practical advice to help you understand the complexities of South Carolina’s legal landscape.

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Episodes

Friday Mar 06, 2026

Episode Summary: 
In this episode of *Off the Record*, Rhett Burney sheds light on the complexities of restraining orders in family court. From defining what a restraining order entails to discussing its impact on ongoing family court matters, Rhett provides valuable insights into the legal implications and considerations involved.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:45 – Types of Restraining Orders in Family Court
- 01:30 – Factors Considered in Determining the Need for a Restraining Order
- 03:15 – Effects of a Restraining Order on Custody and Visitation Rights
- 05:00 – NACO Orders and Communication Restrictions
- 06:30 – Process and Evidence in Restraining Order Hearings
- 08:15 – Handling Disputed Facts and False Accusations
- 09:45 – Impact of Restraining Orders on Long-Term Case Dynamics
- 11:20 – Common Mistakes Leading to Violation of Restraining Orders
- 13:00 – Seeking Legal Guidance After a Restraining Order Is Filed
About the Show: 
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, offering expert insights and practical advice for individuals navigating legal challenges. Join Attorney Rhett Burney as he discusses important legal topics with clarity and expertise.

Friday Feb 27, 2026

Episode Summary:
Join experienced family court paralegal Allison Crank as she shares valuable insights on what to expect when dealing with family court matters. From initial consultations to court proceedings, Allison provides guidance on effective communication, managing emotions, and staying organized throughout the legal process.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Importance of prioritizing children's well-being
02:30 – Expectations during the first 30 days after hiring a family law attorney
04:10 – Initiating negotiations and mediation process
06:00 – Empowering parents in decision-making
07:45 – Clarifying the role and limitations of paralegals
09:20 – Preparing clients for the challenging legal process
11:00 – Common mistakes to avoid in family court cases
12:30 – Significance of timely client communication
14:00 – Tips for smoother case proceedings
15:45 – Organizing and labeling crucial documents
17:20 – Efficient communication methods with the legal team
19:00 – Managing stress and emotional well-being during legal proceedings
20:30 – Utilizing tools like therapy and communication apps for support
22:15 – Encouraging patience and preparedness for clients
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast dedicated to providing valuable insights and expert advice on various legal matters. Join us for informative discussions and practical tips to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Friday Feb 20, 2026

Episode Summary:
Shelby Flagg, an experienced probate paralegal, shares insights on the probate process and how families can navigate it effectively. From debunking common misunderstandings to emphasizing the importance of communication, Shelby provides valuable advice for anyone facing probate proceedings.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Shelby's Journey to Becoming a Probate Paralegal
03:45 – Supporting Families Through the Probate Process
05:20 – Common Misunderstandings About Probate
07:10 – Essential Preparations Before Starting Probate
09:05 – Factors Contributing to Probate Delays
11:30 – Client Responsibilities After Initial Meeting
13:15 – Ensuring Smooth Probate Case Progression
15:00 – Effective Communication Strategies for Clients
16:45 – Managing Family Tensions During Probate
18:30 – Key Advice for Surviving Family Members
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of the legal system, offering valuable insights and expert advice on navigating legal processes. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of legal matters and empower yourself with knowledge.

Friday Feb 13, 2026

Episode Summary:
Join Bizzy Hatcher, paralegal in this episode of *Off the Record* as she provides a comprehensive guide to the probate process. From what to expect immediately after a loved one's passing to navigating the complexities of asset distribution and handling creditors, Bizzy sheds light on the essential steps involved in probate, offering valuable insights for families facing this challenging time.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Client Expectations After a Passing
01:30 – Steps to Opening an Estate
02:15 – Inventory and Appraisal Importance
03:00 – Dispersing Assets and Handling Creditors
04:10 – Duration of the Probate Process
05:00 – Jointly Owned Property Considerations
05:45 – Dealing with Errors and Disagreements
06:30 – Closing an Estate: Criteria and Procedures
07:15 – Role of a Paralegal in the Process
08:00 – Common Causes of Delays and Tips for Clients
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of the legal field, offering valuable insights and expert guidance on navigating legal processes and challenges. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of legal matters and how they impact individuals and families.

Friday Feb 06, 2026

Episode Summary:
In this episode, family law attorney Leslie Fisk sheds light on the intricacies of child support laws in South Carolina. From calculating child support based on incomes to addressing common misconceptions, Leslie provides valuable insights for individuals navigating child support arrangements.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Importance of child support inquiries pre-divorce
03:45 – Factors considered in South Carolina child support calculations
06:20 – Clarifying child support cut-off age
08:45 – Handling child support for multiple children
11:10 – Recalculation of child support based on income changes
13:55 – Addressing shared parenting time in child support calculations
16:30 – Extracurricular expenses and child support in South Carolina
19:05 – Adjusting child support in case of job loss
21:40 – Debunking myths about recipient's spending of child support
24:15 – Fostering minimal disruption for children post-separation
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, offering expert insights and guidance on navigating legal challenges. From divorce proceedings to child custody matters, *Off the Record* provides a comprehensive look at legal issues affecting families.

Friday Jan 30, 2026

Episode Summary: In this episode, attorney Bill Finn from the Law Offices of Rhett Burney sheds light on legal separation in South Carolina. He clarifies that legal separation in the state is not a formal status but rather a step towards a no-fault divorce. Bill explains the significance of filing for separate support and maintenance, enabling couples to settle issues like child custody, visitation, and financial matters before finalizing a divorce.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:30 – Legal separation in South Carolina and its implications
- 03:45 – Filing for separate support and maintenance
- 06:12 – Key differences between legal separation and divorce
- 08:20 – Importance of court-ordered agreements before divorce
- 10:05 – Financial responsibilities during separation
- 12:40 – Impact of separation on health insurance and taxes
- 15:00 – Best practices for protecting oneself legally during separation
About the Show: *Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, offering valuable insights and guidance on navigating legal challenges with clarity and expertise.

Friday Jan 23, 2026

Episode Summary:
Attorney Bill Finn from the Law Office of Rhett Burney in South Carolina sheds light on the complexities of debt division during divorce in South Carolina. He discusses how marital debt is viewed by the court, the difference between marital and separate debt, and the implications of individual debt on both parties. Bill also delves into the importance of handling finances amicably, navigating bankruptcy during divorce, and proactive steps to understand and manage debt obligations before divorce proceedings.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Treatment of debt in divorce
02:10 – Determining marital vs. separate debt
04:05 – Responsibility for debt incurred by one spouse
05:30 – Division of mortgages and car loans
07:15 – Importance of amicable resolution
08:40 – Impact of bankruptcy during divorce
10:20 – Judges' considerations in debt allocation
12:00 – Preparing for divorce financially
13:45 – Pitfalls of separating finances prematurely
15:30 – Smart financial moves for a secure post-divorce future
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, offering valuable insights and practical advice for individuals navigating divorce and related legal matters. Hosted by experts in the field, each episode provides in-depth discussions on critical topics to empower listeners with knowledge and understanding.

Friday Jan 16, 2026

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Off the Record*, experienced family law and estate planning attorney discusses the complexities of uncovering hidden assets in divorce cases. From identifying signs of financial deceit to navigating the legal processes involved, the episode sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with undisclosed finances during divorce proceedings.
Key Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:30 – Unveiling Hidden Assets
- 03:15 – Signs of Financial Deception
- 05:00 – Tools Used by the Court
- 07:45 – Handling Financial Control Disparities
- 09:30 – Consequences of Asset Concealment
- 11:15 – Miscommunication vs. Intentional Hiding
- 13:00 – Business Assets in Divorce
- 15:20 – Emotional Support for Clients
- 17:10 – Precautionary Measures for Suspected Deception
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into various aspects of family law, estate planning, and navigating complex financial matters during legal proceedings. Join us as we explore real-life scenarios and expert insights to empower listeners with valuable knowledge in legal matters.

Friday Jan 09, 2026

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Off the Record*, Rhett Burney shares insights on avoiding family disputes posthumously through effective estate planning. Rhett emphasizes the importance of considering family dynamics, being specific in asset distribution, and fostering open communication to prevent conflicts. With real-life examples, he highlights the significance of clear instructions and selecting responsible executors to maintain family harmony.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Common disputes in estate planning
01:30 – Importance of family dynamics in planning
03:15 – Specificity in asset distribution
04:20 – Communication and discussing plans with family
05:45 – Choosing a responsible executor or trustee
07:10 – Case study: Prevention of family dispute through clear planning
09:00 – Revisiting estate plans and signs for revision
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast hosted by an experienced attorney focusing on family law, estate planning, and probate matters. Join us to explore insightful discussions and expert advice on preserving family relationships through effective legal planning strategies.

Friday Jan 02, 2026

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Melissa Smith, an associate at a law firm, discuss naming a guardian for children in a custody dispute. Melissa explains the role of a guardian, how courts make decisions, and the importance of good planning to prevent conflicts. She emphasizes the significance of considering the child's best interests and the impact of parental boundaries on custody arrangements.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:45 – Court appointment of a guardian in custody disputes
01:30 – Role and qualifications of a guardian in South Carolina
03:15 – Impact of parental boundaries on conflicts and custody arrangements
05:00 – Importance of addressing issues early on in custody disputes
06:30 – Recommendations for revisiting decisions in changing custody dynamics
08:10 – Introducing a new parent into the equation and considerations for children
09:45 – Benefits of making early choices to protect child stability and reduce future litigation
About the Show:
*Off the Record* is a legal podcast that delves into family law and estate planning matters. The show features expert guests like Melissa Smith, offering insights and guidance on navigating legal challenges for families.

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