Charleston Child Custody FAQs
Our Charleston child custody law firm answers some common questions
Click the links below to display answers to the following commonly-asked questions:
- Is the court required to decide who gets child custody?
- What factors does the court use to decide issues of child custody and support?
- When one parent has custody of the children, does the other automatically pay child support?
- Does the court favor the mother when determining custody?
- How often can the non-custodial parent visit the children?
Is the court required to decide who gets child custody?
Parents are encouraged to try to reach their own agreement custody. Some Charleston child custody law firms, like The Bleecker Law Firm LLC, have attorneys who are skilled mediators to help couples come to agreement. Even with agreement, the judge must review all decisions and make the final determination based on the best interests of the children.
What factors does the court use to decide issues of child custody and support?
The judge must carefully weigh the circumstances of both parents—including work schedules and stability—and the nature of the case to decide issues of custody. In fact, the judge can consider the preferences of the children provided they are mature enough to make a reasonable choice.
When one parent has custody of the children, does the other automatically pay child support?
Regardless of which parent has child custody in Charleston, both have joint responsibility for child support. While a non-custodial parent typically pays child support, the court must look at the financial circumstances of both parents when making this decision. This is why it is important to be represented by an experienced child custody law firm—a skilled divorce lawyer ensures that all financial details are available to the courts when making this important decision.
Does the court favor the mother when determining custody?
Actually, South Carolina law only favors children—custody rights are viewed equally between both parents.
How often can the non-custodial parent visit the children?
There is no set rule on visitation schedules. Couples can come to an agreement prior to the divorce proceedings, or the court can arrive at a schedule and any special conditions as part of the case. If a parent is denied the court-ordered access, a child custody law firm in Charleston can help take the case back to court.
Contact The Bleecker Law Firm, LLC today to discuss your South Carolina family law, divorce, mediation, and related probate litigation questions. We practice in all South Carolina family courts.
