Legal Question in Family Law in South Carolina
If I already started the divorce process in one state and had 2 hearings, can I request that another state get jurisdiction due to financial situations?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Without more information it will be difficult to answer this question fully. If you have already had two hearings in State #1 I am assuming that you have children or you own property. State #2 may not have jurisdiction over the children and/or property. That being said, you may petition the court to transfer jurisdiction. If your spouse would consent to transfer jurisdiction it would make it easier. Another option is to dismiss the case in State #1 and file a new action in State #2, but if you do this any orders that you have from the two hearings will no longer be in affect so if you were awarded custody in State #1 you would no longer have it. I know you are having financial difficulties, but it would be in your best interest to meet with an attorney at least one time to go over all of the specific facts of your case to determine what course of action you should take. Best of luck!