September 6, 2024
Not all couples get their “happily ever after”. When a couple decides to part ways, they face several paths they can take. Two of the most common choices are legal separation and divorce. While both options basically change the relationship status, they carry distinct legal implications that can significantly impact your future. Therefore, understanding the difference between separation and divorce can help couples decide which option is best for their situation. This article explores the key distinctions between the statuses separated vs. divorced, helping you make an informed decision. Let’s Start with the More Straightforward Option — Divorce In the eyes of the law, divorce is a permanent dissolution of the marriage. This process involves going to a family law court to officially and legally cut all ties between the spouses, including the division of property, resolution of financial obligations, and removal from shared insurance plans. If there are […]
August 15, 2024
Best Lawyers in America has named four Bluestein Attorneys to its 2025 Best Lawyers list for Columbia, and another to its “Ones to Watch” list. The attorneys on the Best Lawyers list, and the practice areas in which they are cited, are as follows: Margaret Miles “Marti” Bluestein: Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants Clarke Newton: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs John Nichols: Appellate Practice Allison Sullivan: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants Additionally, Timothy Mercer was again named to the Ones to Watch list, dedicated to attorneys who are in their first decade of practice. He was recognized in the area of Administrative/Regulatory Law for his work representing veterans with disability claims before the Veterans Administration. “What matters to us most is serving our clients, and earning their appreciation,” said Founding Partner Marti Bluestein. “But to be recognized this […]
August 2, 2024
Navigating the complex landscape of DUI laws in South Carolina can be overwhelming, especially when facing charges. As a driver, understanding your rights and the nuances of these laws is crucial for protecting your future. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time offense or a more complex situation, knowing the legal limits, potential consequences, and your options for defense can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify key aspects of South Carolina’s DUI laws, from BAC limits to license reinstatement processes. What Alcohol Level is Considered Illegal? In South Carolina, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits are: 0.08% for drivers 21 and older 0.02% for drivers under 21 0.04% for commercial drivers It’s important to keep in mind that these are “per se” limits, meaning a driver can still be charged with DUI even if their BAC is below these limits. […]
July 17, 2024
Approximately three million U.S. service members were potentially exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam between 1962 and 1971. Among these three million service members, many veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange may have passed its effects to their families over generations. These sheer numbers the widespread impact of Agent Orange exposure on American lives, spanning both past and present generations. Recognizing the scale and severity of this issue, the PACT Act took effect in August 2022 and expanded the eligibility criteria for receiving disability benefits due to Agent Orange exposure. With that in mind, let’s explore what is the average compensation for Agent Orange to veterans as well as Agent Orange benefits for widows and other dependents. How is the Disability Compensation Amount Determined? The VA determines compensation for Agent Orange exposure based on several key factors: VA disability rating (between 1-100%) The severity of the condition Marital status […]
June 7, 2024
Are you a VBA-qualified disabled veteran with a veteran disability rating of 30% or higher? If so, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the benefits available to you. One such benefit is the Disabled Veteran Leave, which can provide much-needed support during recovery. If you have never heard about this option, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you navigate these benefits and more. What is Disabled Veteran Leave? Disabled Veteran Leave provides up to 104 hours of paid leave for federal employees with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or higher. * Note that the Disabled Veteran Leave is a separate benefit from the normal sick leave and doesn’t come in exchange for the accrual of sick time. Disabled Veteran Leave Eligibility Eligibility Criteria — To Whom Does the Disabled Veteran Leave apply? Your effective hiring date is on or after November 5, 2016 You […]
May 17, 2024
When individuals reach the age of 60, especially those facing health issues or disabilities impacting their ability to work, opt for early retirement. The idea of stepping back from decades of employment, embarking on long-awaited adventures, and spending quality time with loved ones holds much more appeal than continuing in a diminished capacity at work. However, from the standpoint of benefits, opting for early retirement may not be the most advantageous approach. While the allure of early retirement is understandable, it’s advisable to be aware of the Social Security disability rules after age 60. Get the Most of Your Social Security Benefits by Staying Employed Early retirement at 62 does sound tempting. Nevertheless, avoiding early retirement is recommended to receive the highest benefit possible. Choosing this option automatically reduces the Social Security benefits you could get based on the number of months before your full retirement age. Early retirement […]
April 30, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A tradition of excellence was again recognized this year by South Carolina Super Lawyers®, as three partners at Bluestein Attorneys made the rating service’s 2024 list. They are: Marti Bluestein, who practices in the area of workers’ compensation. This is her 10th year on the list. Clarke Newton, whose practice is focused on representing plaintiffs who sustained personal injury, made the list for the second time. Previously, he had been recognized for four straight years on the service’s Rising Stars list. Allison Sullivan was recognized for her work representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2013. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Its selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. The goal of […]
April 18, 2024
Allison Sullivan, a partner with Bluestein Attorneys, has been named to the 2024 South Carolina Power List for Personal Injury Attorneys, which was published in South Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Feb. 21 edition. She was named to the list in 2023 as well. Power List honorees are selected by looking at a range of criteria, including whether an attorney is considered to be a subject matter authority in his or her field, well-versed in relevant case law, statutes and regulations; experienced, with a record of success in cases and/or transactions; a lawyer whom other attorneys respect and make referrals to; and a leader in the community, with a record of bar involvement and leadership. Allison fits all those criteria. Her career has been all about leveling the playing field for those who have been injured across the state of South Carolina, whether hurt at work or injured by the negligence of […]
April 18, 2024
Attorney W. Christopher Schwartz has joined Bluestein Attorneys. He practices in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, and construction litigation. He earned his Juris Doctor in 2023 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he ranked in the top third of his class. He received the Konduros Public Service Fellowship and the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Law. He was chair of the Honor Council in his final year of law school. Before law school, he received a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in philosophy, from Clemson University in 2020. He clerked for Bluestein Attorneys throughout his law school career. He drafted civil litigation motions, memoranda and proposed orders, and assisted in drafting appellate briefs. He is a member of Phi Delta Phi, Legal Honor Society, and the Humanist Law Society. “We’re very pleased to have Chris continuing with us […]