Source: https://kloklaw.com/who-gets-the-kids/
Timestamp: 2019-03-25 13:33:43
Document Index: 499595419

Matched Legal Cases: ['§63', '§63', '§63', '§63', '§63', '§63', '§63', '§63']

Divorce Attorneys in Mount Pleasant SC | Who Gets the Kids?
WHO GETS THE KIDS? THE SOUTH CAROLINA GUIDE TO CUSTODY
Very often one of the first question asked in a divorce is “Who gets the kids?” This can be a flashpoint during divorce proceedings.
Abolishment of the “Tender Years Doctrine”
In South Carolina, there is no legal preference for awarding a mother custody of a child of tender years. See S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-10.
In South Carolina, there is either joint custody or sole custody. According to S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-210,
Parenting plans must include at minimum “the allocation of parenting time to be spent with each parent, and major decisions, including, but not limited to, the child’s education, medical and dental care, extracurricular activities and religious training.” See S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-220.
Equal Access to Children’s Education and Medical Records
Under South Carolina, regardless of the custody arrangement, “…each parent has equal access and the same right to obtain all educational records and medical records of his or her minor children and the right to participate in the children’s school activities and extracurricular activities that are held in public locations unless prohibited…” by court order. See S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-260.
What is “the best interest of the child?”
When South Carolina family courts issue or modify a custody order, the family court must consider the best interest of the child. This may include, but is not limited, to the following factors:
See S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-240(B).
In order for South Carolina to issue any orders affecting children, South Carolina must have jurisdiction. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a law that insures only one state has jurisdiction over minor children at any given time. A child’s home state is defined as
See S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-302(7).
Generally, South Carolina has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination if:
See S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-330(A). It is important to note that the “[p]hysical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination.” See S.C. Code Ann. §63-15-330(C).
An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on all the issues in your divorce case. These issues are the grounds for divorce, division of marital property and debs, child custody, parenting time, child support and alimony or spousal support. You don’t have to agree on everything before hiring Klok Law. Even if you believe you have reached an agreement on all issues, Klok Law may raise some issues that you have not identified which may lead to changes. Both spouses may participate but Klok Law can only represent and provide legal advice to one of you. The other spouse does not necessarily have to retain an attorney but they certainly may. Klok Law offers flat fees for uncontested divorce matters. The amount of the flat fee depends on the complexity of your case.
Cash or reserve funds. If you have saving set aside, the easiest way to pay for an attorney is to use the savings.
Credit cards. Many people use credit cards. Most attorneys accept credit cards.
Borrowing money from your retirement account. Some people take out money out of their retirement account. Be sure to do so before a complaint for divorce is filed, because once filed a temporary order will follow which will probably prohibit you from liquidating assets.
Borrowing money from family or friends. Many families or friends provide financial assistance in the form of a gift or loan during a divorce. Be aware that if someone else pays for your case, they may want to be involved and control your case. You alone control your case regardless of who pays.