West Columbia Child Custody Lawyer

Dedicated West Columbia Child Custody Attorney

One of the most complicated legal disputes in family law is child custody. Whether you are experiencing a separation in Brookwood or are getting divorced from your home in West Gate, you need to speak with a trusted and experienced West Columbia child custody lawyer. Child custody cases are often fraught with stress and uncertainty.

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, our attorneys are here to walk you through this process and protect your parental rights.

Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III: Trusted Since 1996

For 30 years now, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been helping families in South Carolina navigate the strenuous and emotionally challenging waters of divorce, child custody, and other family law issues. Our main priority is protecting and advocating for your parental rights, while also protecting the best interests of your child. Let us provide you with the fierce advocacy and compassionate care you deserve at this exceedingly difficult time.

Types of Child Custody in West Columbia

South Carolina experiences a divorce rate of 2.2 cases per every 1,000 residents, and 7.5% of the population of Lexington County, home to West Columbia, has been divorced at least once.

When a married couple seeks divorce and has minor children still at home, they must be able to reach an agreement regarding the custody of those children. If they are unable to reach a fair and mutually beneficial resolution, the courts will make this decision for them. There are two kinds of custody in South Carolina, including:

• Legal custody. This form of custody is a parent’s right to make certain decisions regarding the well-being and upbringing of their child, such as their healthcare, education, and religion. Legal custody can be awarded to one parent or shared jointly by both parents.
• Physical custody. This kind of custody is in reference to where the child will primarily live and which parent will be obligated to care for their daily needs. This custody can either be awarded solely to one parent, or jointly to both. In cases of sole custody, the other parent may still retain visitation rights.

In most custody cases, the South Carolina court system prefers to award joint legal and physical custody to allow both parents equal presence and say in their child’s life. However, if you have reason to fear for the well-being of your child while in the custody of your co-parent, you need to let your West Columbia family law attorney know this right away and provide any evidence you may have that can back up this fear.

How to Determine the Best Interests of the Child

When parents cannot reach a resolution regarding child custody on their own, the courts end up making this decision instead. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we take the protection of your parental rights extremely seriously and can provide evidence that granting you custody is in the best interests of the child. When trying to determine the arrangement that is in the best interests of the children, however, the courts will look at the following factors:

• The child’s relationship with each of their parents, along with their emotional bond
• The way in which the parents are independently involved in their child’s life, including who takes the child to doctor appointments, who attends school functions, who participates more in the child’s extracurricular activities
• The stability and safety of both parents’ home lives, taking into consideration any emotional, mental, or financial instability.
• Each parent’s individual ability to co-parent in an effective manner to the benefit of their children
• How attached to their current environment the child is, in regard to their family, schooling, and overall community
• In certain cases, where the child is older and more mature, their preference might be taken into account by the courts; however, it will not be the deciding factor in a custody case.

FAQs About West Columbia, SC Child Custody Laws

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a Child Custody Case?

To hire a child custody lawyer in South Carolina, the costs will vary on a case-by-case and lawyer-to-lawyer basis. Factors that can include the final cost analysis of your attorney include the duration and complexity of your custody case and the skill level, experience, and education of your legal team.

What Mistakes to Avoid in a Child Custody Case?

There are a number of mistakes you want to try to avoid in a child custody case. While 62% of divorced parents report that they have an excellent relationship with their children, there are certain actions that you can take that can damage not only your case, but also the relationship you share with your child. These mistakes include acting out of anger, failing to focus on the needs of your child, and disparaging the other parent.

Is It Worth Hiring a Child Custody Lawyer?

Yes, it is absolutely worth hiring a child custody lawyer. These cases, no matter your relationship with your co-parent, can be extremely difficult and challenging, and it is wise to have a legal advocate on your side who can protect your rights. Your attorney is here to help you build your case for custody and work to protect the best interests of your children.

Can I Get Child Support and What Factors Impact Support Orders?

In certain cases, you may be entitled to recover child support following a custody case. Typically, these payments are made from the parent with less custody to the parent with higher forms of custody. Factors that can impact a child support order include the gross income of both parents, any applicable daycare or insurance expenses, and other child support or spousal support obligations.

Hire a West Columbia Child Custody Lawyer Today

When the time comes to hire a child custody lawyer you can trust and who can protect your rights as a parent in West Columbia, look to the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III. Contact our offices today to learn more about our family law services and to schedule your initial consultation.