Blog

The Woman’s Guide to Working with a Guardian ad Litem in South Carolina Family Court

When a Guardian ad Litem gets appointed in your custody case, it can feel like someone just kicked open the door to your private life and started taking notes. That feeling is real. A GAL investigation can be exhausting, invasive, and deeply emotional. You are not imagining that. But this is also not the moment to spiral, overtalk, or go into survival mode. It is the moment to get grounded, get strategic, and protect both your peace and your credibility. At Lighthouse Family

W.M. Bowen

May 17

Litigation Abuse in Family Court: When an Ex Uses the Legal System to Harass You

Divorce and custody disputes are often stressful and emotionally difficult. However, in some cases, the legal process itself becomes part of the conflict. One party may repeatedly file motions, raise the same allegations multiple times, or take steps that prolong litigation unnecessarily. When the court system is used in this way, it may be considered litigation abuse. Litigation abuse occurs when legal procedures are used not to resolve legitimate disputes, but to pressure,

W.M. Bowen

Apr 1

Relocation Matters

When parents share custody, relocation can create one of the most emotionally charged conflicts in family law. A new job opportunity. A new relationship. A chance to live closer to extended family. All of these can lead a parent to ask an important question: Can I move away with my child? The answer is rarely simple. In many situations, a parent cannot move far away with a child without either the other parent's agreement or court approval. Understanding how relocation works

Custody

W.M. Bowen

Mar 26

When a Child Says They Don’t Want to Visit the Other Parent: What Parents Should Know About Visitation Refusal

Few custody issues cause more confusion for parents than this one simple statement: “My child says they don’t want to go to the other parent’s house anymore.” Parents often feel torn between two instincts. On one hand, they want to respect their child’s feelings. On the other hand, they may know that a custody or visitation schedule is part of a court order. So what should a parent actually do when a child refuses visitation? The answer requires understanding both the emotio

Custody

W.M. Bowen

Mar 26

Why You Should Think Twice Before Venting About Your Custody Case on Social Media

Social media can feel like a lifeline during stressful times—a place to vent, get support, or simply release frustration. When you’re navigating a custody case, the temptation is understandable. But what feels like emotional relief can carry real, lasting consequences. Posting about your ex, your child, or court proceedings may seem harmless or therapeutic, but in family law, perception is everything. Courts, mediators, and opposing counsel often view social media activity as

Custody

W.M. Bowen

Mar 4

Marriage Counseling: Is it Worth It

Marriage counseling is often framed as a last-ditch effort—a sign of failure, of giving up. But here’s what most women are never told: counseling is not about defeat—it’s about strategy . It’s about choosing to communicate more effectively, to reset patterns that have held your relationship hostage, and to protect the peace and power you’ve cultivated in your life. Women should kow how to use emotional intelligence as a strategic life skill , especially in relationships and f

Divorce

W.M. Bowen

Feb 3

Sleep Divorce: Why Sleeping Apart Is Making Some Relationships StrongerIntroduction: Why the Term Sounds Alarming—but Isn’t

The phrase “sleep divorce” sounds dramatic—almost ominous. It carries the weight of separation, distance, and emotional withdrawal. But for many couples, the reality is far less alarming and far more practical. Sleep divorce doesn’t usually signal the end of intimacy or commitment. In many cases, it reflects something healthier: awareness. Couples are paying attention to what actually works instead of clinging to traditions that quietly create resentment. Sleeping separately

Divorce

W.M. Bowen

Jan 14

Alimony Is Changing Across the U.S. — What South Carolina Women Need to Know

Across the country, states are reshaping the way alimony works — and in some places, eliminating it entirely. These changes are creating a ripple effect that anyone considering divorce needs to pay attention to. For women in South Carolina, understanding these national shifts is essential for planning financially, protecting long-term stability, and making informed decisions about the future. Other states are moving quickly. South Carolina hasn’t made major changes yet — but

Alimony

W.M. Bowen

Dec 12, 2025

Creating a Safety Plan: Protecting Yourself and Your Children

When you are in an unsafe relationship or facing the possibility of domestic violence, one of the most powerful steps you can take is to create a safety plan. A safety plan is more than just a checklist — it is a practical, personalized strategy that helps you prepare for various scenarios, reduce risks, and enhance the safety of you and your children. In South Carolina, legal protections such as Orders of Protection are available; however, planning can make the difference

Domestic Violence

W.M. Bowen

Oct 28, 2025