The Howze Law Firm

The Howze Law Firm The Howze Law Firm in Rock Hill, SC, was founded by Tracy Bomar-Howze in 2018. Attorney Howze ...

Attorney Howze has over 20 years of experience handling family law cases both in South Carolina and in Michigan. The Howze Law Firm focuses on helping families who are going through difficult situations. The firm handles both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, divorce, wills and powers of attorneys, . When handling divorce cases, the Howze Law Firm also deals with the issues of child custody a

nd visitation. In addition, Attorney Howze is admitted to practice law in Michigan, US District Court, and the US Bankruptcy Court.

The school secretary calls and asks, "Can your daughter's father come sign her in too?" You realize you don't actually k...
07/27/2026

The school secretary calls and asks, "Can your daughter's father come sign her in too?" You realize you don't actually know the answer.

In South Carolina, that answer lives in your custody order, not in whoever's easier to reach that week. Sole legal custody means you're the one who decides on enrollment. Joint legal custody means you and your co-parent are supposed to agree on it together. A text where he says "fine, go ahead" doesn't rewrite what the order requires the next time this comes up.

When joint legal custody parents can't agree and the order doesn't name a tiebreaker, either parent can ask the Family Court to step in through a motion for temporary relief or a motion to clarify the order. The judge decides based on what's best for your child. Not who called first.

Save our number before the first day of school: 803-266-1812.

"Can she stay through Sunday since practice starts later this year?""Sure, works for me."Text sent, text answered, and i...
07/24/2026

"Can she stay through Sunday since practice starts later this year?"
"Sure, works for me."

Text sent, text answered, and it may feel settled — but it isn't.

In South Carolina, that exchange doesn't touch the actual custody order. The order on file still reads the way it did last spring, no matter how many weekends you've both followed the text version instead. Parents can agree to short swaps, but a judge can only treat that thread as evidence, not as a new order.

The document that actually changes things is a Summons and Complaint for Modification, which must be served on your co-parent following South Carolina's rules for service of process.

If your co-parent won't put the new schedule in writing through the court, call us: 803-266-1812.

We can tell you what filing gets you there.

September rolls around and you both agree: switching to alternating weeks makes more sense now. You shake hands at picku...
07/19/2026

September rolls around and you both agree: switching to alternating weeks makes more sense now. You shake hands at pickup. It feels official.

It isn't.

South Carolina family courts don't recognize handshake deals or verbal agreements as modifications to custody orders. The schedule that controls your case is the one signed by a judge and filed with the clerk, not the one you've been living by since August.

When circumstances change enough to justify a new arrangement, the legal path is filing a modification action. You'll serve your co-parent, demonstrate a substantial change affecting your child's best interest, and in most contested cases, attend mediation under Family Court Rule 29.

Thinking about making your current arrangement official? We'll walk you through what modification actually requires.

Call us: 803-266-1812.

❌ Myth: South Carolina courts favor mothers in custody disputes.✅ Fact: The "Tender Years Doctrine" was abolished under ...
07/18/2026

❌ Myth: South Carolina courts favor mothers in custody disputes.

✅ Fact: The "Tender Years Doctrine" was abolished under Section 63-15-10. In 2026, both parents are evaluated equally based on what serves the child's best interests, not gender.

Courts look at each parent's relationship with the child, their ability to meet the child's developmental needs, and the stability of each home. Consistent involvement in daily routines, healthcare, and education carries real weight.

Navigating a custody matter in Rock Hill? Call The Howze Law Firm at 803-266-1812 for a consultation.

Leaving your home to escape abuse should never cost you custody of your children.Under South Carolina Code § 63-15-40(B)...
07/13/2026

Leaving your home to escape abuse should never cost you custody of your children.

Under South Carolina Code § 63-15-40(B), a victim's decision to leave or relocate cannot, by itself, be used as a reason to deny custody. Courts recognize that protecting yourself and your children is not abandonment.

Document the reasons for your departure with incident reports, text messages, photographs, or witness statements. These records help establish that your move was necessary for safety.

Preparing for a custody case in Rock Hill? Call The Howze Law Firm at 803-266-1812 to discuss your situation.

🏠 Homeowners across York County face the same fear: one missed mortgage payment away from foreclosure.Chapter 13 bankrup...
07/09/2026

🏠 Homeowners across York County face the same fear: one missed mortgage payment away from foreclosure.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy creates an automatic stay the moment you file. Foreclosure stops. Wage garnishment halts. Collection calls end. You get time to catch up through a 3-5 year repayment plan while keeping your home and car.

If you have steady income but are behind on payments, this could be your path forward. Call The Howze Law Firm at 803-266-1812 for a consultation.

⚠️ "Separated" doesn't mean "single" under South Carolina law.Until a court grants your divorce, you remain lawfully mar...
07/05/2026

⚠️ "Separated" doesn't mean "single" under South Carolina law.

Until a court grants your divorce, you remain lawfully married. A new romantic relationship during this time could legally qualify as adultery, potentially barring you from receiving alimony and giving your spouse fault-based grounds in court.

Even a signed separation agreement doesn't change your marital status. The statutory definition applies to anyone still legally married, regardless of private agreements between spouses.

Protecting your financial future means understanding these risks before you act. Call The Howze Law Firm at 803-266-1812 to discuss your situation.

Filing for Chapter 13 in Rock Hill? Your total debt determines whether you qualify.As of 2026, Chapter 13 caps your unse...
07/01/2026

Filing for Chapter 13 in Rock Hill? Your total debt determines whether you qualify.

As of 2026, Chapter 13 caps your unsecured debts (like credit cards and medical bills) at $526,700 and secured debts (like mortgages and car loans) at $1,580,125. If you fall within these limits and have steady income, you may be able to stop foreclosure, halt wage garnishment, and create a 3-5 year repayment plan.

The key is knowing exactly where you stand. Gather your mortgage payoff, auto loan balance, and all other debt statements before exploring your options.

Ready to find out if Chapter 13 could work for your situation? Call The Howze Law Firm at 803-266-1812 for a consultation.

Rock Hill families going through divorce often underestimate one thing: how detailed a parenting plan needs to be.South ...
06/27/2026

Rock Hill families going through divorce often underestimate one thing: how detailed a parenting plan needs to be.

South Carolina courts expect more than just "every other weekend." They want specifics, holiday schedules, pickup times, how you'll handle school decisions, and what happens when plans need to change.

Getting these details right from the start prevents future disputes and protects your time with your children. Call The Howze Law Firm at 803-266-1812 for guidance.

Child support and visitation are two completely separate legal obligations in South Carolina.A custodial parent cannot l...
06/22/2026

Child support and visitation are two completely separate legal obligations in South Carolina.

A custodial parent cannot legally withhold your parenting time because you're behind on support, and you shouldn't lose time with your children over a payment dispute. Under SC Code § 63-5-30, both parents are recognized as joint natural guardians.

If your visitation is being denied for any reason not supported by a court order, you have the right to seek enforcement through family court. Document every denied visit with dates and details, then call The Howze Law Firm at 803-266-1812 to discuss your options.

Address

200 Oakland Avenue, Suite A
Rock Hill, SC
29730

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 2pm

Telephone

+18033249009

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