Child Support Lawyers In Lexington, SC

A great concern for parents going through a family court matter revolves around who will get custody of the child or children and how much child support will be awarded. As in many other states, South Carolina judges must make custody decisions in the best interests of the child. Choosing a skilled divorce attorney to represent and protect your interests can also make a significant difference in the final outcome.

In Lexington and surrounding areas, you can find the help you need at The Kinard Law Group. As experienced advocates who know the law and understand the challenges you face, our attorneys will take time to your concerns and work around your schedule to help resolve matters in the best interests of you and your children.

Reaching A Child Custody Agreement Through Negotiation

When parents are able to participate in mediation or can otherwise negotiate with the help of their attorneys, this often produces a mutually satisfactory child custody agreement while saving considerable stress and costs on both sides. Custody agreements should be detailed, and achieving that kind of nuance can be difficult when the decisions are left to a judge who does not know you or your children. Unfortunately, the ability to negotiate requires good faith on both sides, which is why litigation is sometimes the only option.

If you feel that you can negotiate a custody agreement, our attorneys are ready to provide support and advice throughout the process. If litigation is necessary, however, we have the experience and courtroom skills to protect your rights and advocate vigorously for your interests and the well-being of your children.

Child Custody Considerations In South Carolina

If an agreement cannot be reached, custody decisions will be left to a judge. A judge will consider many factors in determining physical and legal custody, some of which include:

• Parent-child relationship: The court may evaluate the relationship between each parent and the child, including emotional bonds and the quality of the relationship.
• Parental fitness: The physical and mental health of each parent is assessed to determine their ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child.
• Stability and continuity: The court may favor the parent who can provide a stable and consistent living environment, school and community for the child.
• Child’s adjustment: The court considers how the proposed custody arrangement may affect the child’s overall well-being, including their school, social, and extracurricular activities.
• Co-parenting ability: The willingness and ability of each parent to encourage and facilitate a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent may be assessed.
• History of domestic violence or abuse: Any history of domestic violence or child abuse is taken seriously, and the court may consider this when making custody decisions.
• Parental work schedules: The work schedules of each parent and their ability to provide care and supervision for the child are evaluated.
• Geographic proximity: The location of each parent’s residence and its proximity to the child’s school and community can be a factor.
• Moral and emotional stability: The court may consider the moral and emotional stability of each parent.

Based on anecdotal reports, you may have heard that judges in South Carolina are biased against either fathers or mothers (depending on who you spoke to). Thankfully, neither is true. A parent’s gender is not a consideration. Emphasis is placed on parental history, however.

Factors In Child Support Calculations

Court proceedings involving child support to be paid in a divorce follows a set of guidelines that take into account many factors, including:

• Number of children
• Medical, dental, and childcare expenses
• The income of the parents
• Alimony being paid or received
• Support obligations for other dependents

Contact Us For Straightforward Advice And Guidance

To discuss your child custody and child support concerns, contact us to schedule a consultation. From offices in Lexington, we represent clients throughout South Carolina. Connect with us online or over the phone at 803-359-1003.