
Kharimah R. Dessow, Adoption Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Over 10 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Car Accidents · 5.0/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews
FounderatThe Paraclete Law Center, LLC
Columbia, SC
Practicing adoption in Columbia since 2016.
- 10+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 8 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Kharimah R. Dessow is a founder based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Car Accidents. Kharimah has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Paraclete Law Center, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
- Based in
- Columbia, SC
- Experience
- over 10 years
- Known for
- Adoption · Alimony · Car Accidents
- Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Car Accidents matters from Columbia, SC.
- Over 10 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Kharimah R. Dessow: Kharimah R. Dessow is a founder based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Car Accidents. Kharimah has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Paraclete Law Center, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Kharimah R. Dessow
Kharimah concentrates on adoption, alimony, car accidents, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kharimah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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Alimony
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Car Accidents
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Civil Rights
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Divorce
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Dog Bites
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DV Defense
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Slip & Fall
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Trusts
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Wrongful Death
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Adoption cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Kharimah takes adoption matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kharimah agrees to represent you.
Alimony cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Kharimah takes alimony matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kharimah agrees to represent you.
Car Accidents cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Kharimah takes car accidents matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kharimah agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Kharimah takes child custody matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kharimah agrees to represent you.
Child Support cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Kharimah takes child support matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kharimah agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Kharimah R. Dessow — Over 10 years of South Carolina adoption experience
Kharimah R. Dessow is a founder based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Car Accidents. Kharimah has over 10 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Paraclete Law Center, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
Kharimah Roacher Dessow graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law with a concentration in Children’s Law. Following her admission to the South Carolina Bar, Kharimah began her legal career with the South Carolina Legal Services Corporation where she represented indigent citizens of South Carolina in housing disputes, access to education and special education hearings, consumer debt and consumer abuse cases, denial of public benefits appeals, wills, trusts, estates and family law matters. She later worked as an associate with the Brunson Law Firm, LLC in Sumter, South Carolina as a general practitioner.
Kharimah is the former Staff Attorney for the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) where she provided legal technical assistance and support to attorneys and other legal professionals throughout the state of South Carolina. She also responded to calls from survivors of domestic and sexual violence and provided legal information and referrals to SCCADVASA’s 22 Member Organizations, legal services partners, and pro bono/low bono attorneys.
She is a licensed member of the South Carolina State Bar, the American Bar Association, and the Richland and Sumter County Bars. She is a graduate of the National Family Law Trial Institute, a member of the South Carolina Bar’s Young Lawyers Division and has served on the Voices Against Violence committee. She was awarded the 2019 Judiciary Award for her service to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands and serves as a Guardian Ad Litem in highly contested domestic matters. She has spoken at several continuing legal education seminars.
In 2018, she founded The Paraclete Law Center, LLC, a boutique law firm focusing on family law, probate, and personal injury. Kharimah is also a VA Accredited attorney is legally authorized to assistclaimants in pursuit of benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to being the founding attorney of The Paraclete Law Center, LLC, she is an Assistant Prosecutor the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Kharimah is passionate about helping clients achieve results without the need for costly litigation. However, if it is necessary to go to court to achieve her client’s desired results, she will zealously represent her clients in court during all stages of the litigation process. When not in the office, Kharimah loves to cook, go “thrifting” and travel to state and national parks.
Working with Kharimah on a adoption matter
Kharimah Roacher Dessow graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law with a concentration in Children’s Law. Following her admission to the South Carolina Bar, Kharimah began her legal career with the South Carolina Legal Services Corporation where she represented indigent citizens of South Carolina in housing disputes, access to education and special education hearings, consumer…
Clients Kharimah works with
Kharimah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and car accidents matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Kharimah R. Dessow's legal education and bar admissions
University of South Carolina School of Law J.D.
—
Jurisdictions
Kharimah's state bar admissions
South Carolina
2016 · ACTIVE
Kharimah studied at — in University of South Carolina School of Law J.D..
Law school and academic background
Kharimah completed — in University of South Carolina School of Law J.D.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kharimah runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Kharimah R. Dessow
Kharimah has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Kharimah R. Dessow's office in Columbia
Kharimah's primary office is at 1803 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC, 29201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kharimah R. Dessow — 5.0/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Kharimah. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Columbia.
5.0
8 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kharimah R. Dessow claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kharimah R. Dessow — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kharimah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kharimah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kharimah's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Kharimah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Kharimah
Kharimah discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Kharimah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kharimah's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kharimah R. Dessow
How much does it cost to hire Kharimah for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kharimah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kharimah offer a free consultation?
Kharimah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kharimah's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Kharimah's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Kharimah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kharimah take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Kharimah is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kharimah will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Kharimah?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Kharimah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kharimah accepting new adoption clients right now?
Kharimah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Adoption attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
Kharimah handles adoption matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Mount Pleasant1,100 attorneys
- Spartanburg583 attorneys
- Myrtle Beach506 attorneys
- North Charleston476 attorneys
- Lexington379 attorneys
- Rock Hill372 attorneys
- Hilton Head Island347 attorneys
- Florence335 attorneys
- Summerville299 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in South Carolina
If Kharimah's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





