Divorce can be especially complex when a professional practice—such as a law office, medical clinic, or accounting firm—is involved. These cases require a precise legal approach that balances asset division with the continued viability of the business. At Sarah Henry Law, our attorneys guide professionals and their spouses through the divorce process in Greenville, South Carolina, with experience, strategy, and discretion.
Whether you are the owner of a practice or the spouse of a licensed professional, our law firm provides trusted representation rooted in South Carolina family law and tailored to high-asset, high-stakes family law cases.
Divorce and Professional Practices in South Carolina
In South Carolina, a professional practice is often considered marital property if it was founded or increased in value during the marriage. While some business assets may seem separate, they can become marital depending on how income was handled, how the other spouse contributed, and whether marital funds supported the business.
The family court uses the principle of equitable distribution, meaning property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally. Factors such as financial and non-financial contributions to the practice, the value of goodwill, and the existence of any prenuptial agreement all influence how the court evaluates and distributes the practice.
Business Valuation in Divorce Proceedings
Proper valuation of a professional practice is critical in a divorce case. Our attorneys work with financial experts to analyze:
- Earnings and cash flow
- Practice debts and liabilities
- Physical assets (e.g., office space, equipment)
- Intangible assets like goodwill and client loyalty
Whether you are looking to protect your share of the business or claim a fair portion of its value, an experienced divorce lawyer can help ensure that all relevant financial details are brought before the family court accurately and effectively.
Key Legal Issues in Professional Practice Divorce
Divorces involving a practice frequently raise concerns that go beyond ordinary asset division. These may include:
- Debt division related to business loans or shared credit lines
- Classifying personal vs. business expenses
- Ongoing responsibilities related to spousal support, child support, and custody
- Protecting professional licenses and confidentiality requirements
For professionals licensed through the South Carolina Bar, South Carolina School of Medicine, or similar institutions, divorce can threaten not only financial stability but also reputation and career trajectory. Our law firm understands these risks and advocates decisively on behalf of our clients.
Custody and Support Considerations
In many of these cases, spouses also share children. We help navigate complex family law matters involving:
- Child custody, including legal custody and sole custody arrangements
- Child support calculations based on income from a professional practice
- Parenting schedules that accommodate demanding work hours
- Disputes over relocation, visitation, or shared educational decisions
Whether the professional parent or the other spouse has primary care responsibilities, we pursue arrangements that are in the children’s best interests while supporting both parental roles.
Advocacy for Both Spouses in Greenville Divorce Cases
At Sarah Henry Law, we represent both professionals and non-professional spouses in these complex cases. If you built your practice during the marriage, we’ll help you protect your livelihood. If you supported your spouse’s success through sacrifices made during the marriage, we’ll fight to ensure you receive the share of value you deserve.
Our attorneys are proud members of the Greenville County Bar Association and regularly appear in local courts across Greenville County and the Greenville SC region. We understand the unique concerns of these divorces and tailor our services to the specifics of each case.
About Sarah Henry Law
With roots in the University of South Carolina and a reputation for success in challenging family law matters, Sarah Henry Law is dedicated to helping clients resolve even the most intricate legal challenges. Our legal team includes experienced divorce lawyers who understand South Carolina’s five grounds for divorce and the subtleties involved in no fault divorce cases as well as fault-based claims, including physical cruelty and domestic violence.
We advocate for our clients with confidence and compassion—whether you’re seeking to divide a professional asset or protect your role as a parent and provider.
Learn more about Greenville Professional Practice Divorce. Call Sarah Henry Law at (864) 478-8324 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward resolution and peace of mind.
Greenville Professional Practice Divorce FAQs
Will I lose my practice in the divorce?
Not necessarily. Courts often allow the owner to keep operating the business while awarding the other spouse a fair financial share through spousal support or property adjustments.
Can a business started before marriage be divided?
Possibly. If the value of the practice increased during the marriage, that growth may be considered marital property under South Carolina law—even if the practice was started before the wedding.
What if my spouse didn’t work in the business?
Even if only one spouse ran the business, the family court will still examine how the other spouse may have supported it indirectly (e.g., child care, financial contributions, or homemaking).
How do courts evaluate a professional practice?
Courts rely on expert valuations. This includes review of income, client lists, goodwill, and physical or intangible assets tied to the practice.
Does a prenuptial agreement help protect my business?
Yes. A valid prenup can limit how the business is treated during divorce, but its effectiveness depends on how it’s written and whether it complies with South Carolina law.
