Category: Child Custody
What are the typical child custody arrangements in South Carolina? Technically, numerous custody configurations can help families meet a child’s needs. Child custody can be sole, joint, shared, or split, depending on what is in the best interest of the children. Understanding the legal terms is crucial when…
While several forms of child custody are possible after a divorce or separation in South Carolina, joint custody is the most common form couples tend to agree on. In these arrangements, the courts might name a primary and secondary custodian. That said, legal custody of children can be one…
Courts must consider various factors when determining which child custody arrangement serves a child’s best interests – including the child’s preferences. Although a child’s choice cannot override the court’s determination, courts may consider their stated preferences if they are old enough to express a reasonable opinion about which parent…
South Carolina’s child support guidelines provide a baseline amount for a child support payment ranging from $100 to $4,431, based on the number of children shared by parents and the parents’ combined adjusted monthly gross income. For example, parents who combine to make the state’s median household income of $63,623 and share…
When a married couple separates, both parents have equal rights to seek custody of their children. But custody arrangements are less cut and dry for unmarried parents. By default, South Carolina grants sole custody of a child to the natural mother if she is unmarried. Unmarried fathers can only petition the…
When parents are separating in South Carolina, they need to reach an agreement about the custody of any shared children before a court will grant a divorce. But rather than just one parent having custody and the other having the option for visitation, there are various options for child…
Child custody can be a highly contentious issue when parents separate and divorce. Parents will want to spend as much time with their children as possible. For the children, it is equally difficult. They will have many questions and wonder if they will have a say in which parent…
During a child custody dispute in South Carolina, you will likely go through mediation. In mediation, a neutral third party called a mediator tries to help you and the other parent to agree on a parenting plan. If you cannot reach an agreement with the other parent, then a family…