Experienced Columbia Child Custody Attorney: (803) 994-8171

The "best interest" of the child is the standard utilized under South Carolina law in making a determination for child custody and visitation.

Courts must weigh a variety of factors and circumstances in determining which parent or caregiver can best meet the child's physical, psychological, emotional, and general well-being and needs. Typically, visitation schedules for the noncustodial parent are set with the goal of avoiding continued shuffling of children between parent households and to avoid disruption in the children's schedules and routines.

However, each child custody dispute is unique, bringing with it unique circumstances and scenarios that may affect any given outcome. We would be happy to discuss the details of your child custody plan and what goals you may have.

Tell us about your child custody goals in a personalized consultation: (803) 994-8171.

Factors That Affect Parenting Time Plans

Our experienced Columbia child custody lawyers at Carrie Warner, Attorney at Law are familiar with the laws that may affect your case. We are frank and upfront with our clients so that each client is familiar with what obstacles they must overcome.

Factors that may influence child custody decisions include:

• The geographic location of each parent (in state, out of state, or out of country)
• Stability in the custodial parent's home
• The abilities of each parent to meet the child's emotional, physical, and other needs
• The mental and moral fitness of each parent
• Whether there is or has been violence in the home

Is South Carolina a Mother's Right State?

According to the state's statutes section 63-5-30, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities to their children in South Carolina. Therefore, neither parent can claim rights that may override the other.

How Negotiations Can Help

When both parents can mutually agree upon their children's living arrangements, the family unit is preserved as much as possible, and it frees the parties from the emotional turmoil that comes with contentious custody battles. Although our law firm fights aggressively and vigorously on behalf of our clients when needed, the value of amicable negotiations for child custody matters cannot be understated. Depending on the situation, a modification of a child custody order can occur based upon a material or substantial change in circumstances since the issuance of the order.

To learn more about your child custody options - whether through negotiation, litigation or modification - please contact our Columbia family lawyer at Carrie Warner, Attorney at Law.

You can reach us by calling (803) 994-8171 or using our online contact form.