Addressing Legal Concerns

• FAQs about Family/Civil Court matters (divorce, custody, child support, etc.) from SC Legal Services
• Information about SC Domestic Violence laws from Women's Law
• Information about Victim's Rights in criminal cases from Victim Law

• South Carolina Legal Services
• SC Victim Assistance Network Legal Services Program
• SC Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Online video classrooms from SC Legal Services
• Women's Law

1. physical harm and/or bodily injury; 
2. threat of physical harm; or
3. a sexual criminal offense committed by a family or household member.

1. your spouse or former spouse;
2. the mother or father of your child; or
3. an intimate partner with whom you live or used to live.

• Restraining the abuser from abusing you, threatening to abuse you or harassing you;

• Restraining the abuser from contacting you or communicating with you, coming to your home, work, school or other place that the judge writes in the order;

• Granting you temporary custody of any children you have with the abuser;

• Granting visitation with the children: either giving reasonable visitation or denying visitation;

• Requiring the abuser to pay child support for any children you have together;

• Requiring the abuse to pay spousal support or alimony if you are married to the abuser;

• Granting you possession of the home you live or lived in;

• Restraining the abuser or both of you from transferring or destroying any property that might belong to the other person or that may be marital property;

• Allowing you or the other person to get their personal property and restrict either or both people from destroying personal property. The order can also include that either person will have police assistance in retrieving their personal property;

• Granting you any other relief that you have asked for in your petition (i.e. possession of a car, pet, or any other specific requests you have that aren't included in the list above.)

1. where the abuse happened; 
2. where the abuser lives; or
3. where you last lived with the abuser.

family courts in safe harbor's service area

Anderson County: 100 S. Main St., Anderson, SC 29624 (ph: 864-260-4037)

Greenville County: 301 University Ridge #800, Greenville, SC 29601 (ph: 864-467-5800)

Oconee County: 211 W Main St., Walhalla, SC 29691 (ph: 864-638-4287)

Pickens County: 214 E Main St., Pickens, SC 29671 (ph: 864-898-5598)

Once you have filed your petition, a date will be set for your hearing. Before the hearing, your partner/spouse must be served with papers to appear in court by a law enforcement officer. If an officer is unable to serve your spouse/partner with papers to appear in court before the hearing date, your hearing will be continued to another date/time. If you feel fearful and unsafe before or after the hearing, please read about our safety planning information.

• Arrive on time and dress appropriately for court (no shorts, hats, etc.)

• Bring any supporting information you may use for evidence (i.e. threatening voicemails/texts/emails, pictures of injuries or bruises, etc.)

• If you feel unsafe being in a waiting area with your abusive spouse/partner, ask the receptionist if there is a private space where you can wait. You can also ask for an officer’s assistance if you are afraid your spouse/partner will try to approach, harass or harm you.

• You may bring witnesses or supportive people with you to court. Keep in mind the courtroom is small and can only accommodate a small number of people.

• During the hearing, answer any questions that the judge directs toward you. Do not try to speak while the judge is asking questions of your partner/spouse or others.

• If you are granted an Order of Protection, make copies of the Order to keep with you at all times (i.e. in your home, car, purse, etc.). Contact law enforcement if your abusive spouse/partner violates the Order.

• Please be aware that there could be several days between when your partner is served with a summons to appear in court and the court hearing date. This can be a particularly dangerous time for victims of abuse. Safe Harbor has emergency safe shelter for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. Call 1.800.291.2139 and press option 1 to get more information and complete an intake. If you do not want to stay in shelter, consider staying with a friend or family member, preferably at an unknown location to your abusive spouse/partner.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and utilize friends, coworkers, and security officers to escort you at your work or school.

• If you fear that your abusive spouse/partner may be tracking you through technology, consider having your phone, car, computer or other devices checked by a law enforcement officer for spyware or GPS tracking.

• If you feel that someone is following you, drive directly to the nearest Police or Fire Station or call 911

• In court, if your partner approaches you in the lobby before the advocate calls your name, let an officer know and they will assist you.

• If you do not feel safe exiting the building after court, ask an officer to escort you safely to your vehicle or ride.

• Instructions for completing an Order of Protection and preparation for your hearing from SC Legal Services
• Order of Protection Self Help Forms and Information from SC Legal Services
• Filing for an Order of Protection instructions and frequently asked questions
• Protection from Domestic Abuse Act explaining circumstances in which someone can request an Order of Protection
• Types of Domestic Violence Protection in South Carolina