Child Custody And Support Lawyers In Charleston, South Carolina
Navigating child custody and support agreements is often one of the most challenging areas for divorcing, divorced, or separated couples. The emotional investment governing the issue of children is often great, and for this reason, compromise may prove extremely challenging.
At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, our experienced family law attorneys understand how impactful child custody and support agreements are, both to the spouses as well as the children involved. Navigating these matters with care and compassion is of utmost importance, and our entire team focuses on ensuring that our clients and their children are treated with fairness. As tireless advocates and fearless litigators, we ensure that your legal rights as a parent are protected. Call our compassionate child custody and support lawyers in Charleston, South Carolina today at 843-936-6680 to learn more about how we can help you and your family.
How We Represent Child Custody and Support Cases
The United States Census Bureau states that more than one-quarter of children under 21 years old resided with only one of their parents, while the other parent lived elsewhere in the United States. As a result, many households continue to navigate the complex and legally challenging process of child custody every year.
As experienced family law attorneys, we have represented clients in all facets and legal stages of child custody and support. Specifically, we have provided services relating to the following issues, among others:
- Crafting and submitting parenting plans
- Appointing a guardian ad litem when necessary or requested
- Establishing domestic violence claims
- Proving de facto custody
- Negotiating child support agreements
- Making child support calculations
In the same way that every family is unique, so is every child custody and child support agreement. There is no one-size-fits-all for families in the state of South Carolina. For this reason, our experienced family law attorneys tailor our services to fit the specific goals and needs of each one of our clients.
Child Custody in South Carolina
South Carolina courts want to ensure that every child custody arrangement reflects the best interests of the child. When making child custody determinations, the resulting decision will fall into one of two categories, namely:
- Joint custody
- Sole custody
Joint custody means that each parent has equal rights and responsibilities concerning the child. This extends to all major decisions made pertaining to the child’s life and wellbeing. Alternatively, in sole custody situations, only one parent has the rights and responsibilities for these major decisions concerning the child. These major decisions can include education, medical care, extracurricular activities, and religious training.
In all custody proceedings, Section 63-15-220 of the South Carolina Code necessitates that each parent must prepare, file, and submit a comprehensive parenting plan. The plan must discuss their preferences, the proposed distribution of parenting time and major decisions. Parents may submit a joint plan, but the court will not issue a custody order until the parenting plan is completed and submitted according to their standards. The family law attorneys at Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, have extensive experience in crafting these parenting plans and ensuring that our clients’ parental legal rights remain protected.
Child Support in South Carolina
Child support is based on set guidelines set forth by South Carolina law. Pursuant to these guidelines, the court will mainly consider the income of both parents when making child support arrangements. Other factors may influence the amount of support, including:
- Alimony
- Number of other children in the home
- Health insurance
- Childcare costs
- Extraordinary medical expenses
Child support may also be adjusted under certain circumstances. The failure to pay child support can have serious legal consequences, such as being held in contempt of court. Child support agreements can be highly complex and challenging. At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, our family law attorneys leverage our years of experience and extensive knowledge of family law matters to negotiate appropriate child support arrangements on behalf of our clients.
How Can Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC Help?
Creating a child custody and support plan in South Carolina can be frustrating, especially if the other parent does not provide full cooperation or agreement. It is important to consider the child or children’s interests and establish a child custody arrangement and ensure financial support that benefits them as much as possible.
At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, our family law attorneys have the expertise and experience necessary to protect the rights of parents. After years of advocating for parents in child custody and support cases, we understand how to successfully navigate the process. As your family’s law firm for life, you can be confident that we will fight for you and your children’s rights. Contact us at 843-936-6680 to learn more.
