Are you a parent going through a difficult time with your child custody matter in Greenville, South Carolina? Are you seeking guidance on navigating the complex world of child custody law? Look no further. As a family law firm, we understand going through a child custody battle is never an easy experience. It can be a challenging time for both parents and the children in question.
However, our Greenville custody lawyers try to help parents can put aside their differences and work together in the best interests of their children, and come up with a beneficial parenting plan for everyone involved. If you are beginning a divorce and have children or need help changing a joint custody order call us today at (864) 475-9393.
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What Does it Mean to Have Joint Custody?
Joint custody is a type of child custody arrangement where both parents share the responsibility of making major decisions for their children. This includes decisions about their children’s education, health care, and general well-being. Joint custody also refers to the physical custody of the children, which is the amount of time each parent spends with their children.
Types of Joint Custody
There are two main types of joint custody: joint legal custody and joint physical custody.
Joint Legal Custody
This type of joint custody means that both parents have an equal say in making major decisions about their children’s lives. This includes decisions about their education, medical care, and other important aspects of their lives.
For example, if one parent wants to enroll the child in a certain school and the other parent disagrees, they can agree on the best for their children.
Joint Physical Custody
This joint custody type means the children spend equal time with both parents. The children’s time is split between the two homes, and the parents share the responsibilities of raising their children. It ensures that both parents have equal or nearly equal access to their children.
For instance, if one parent lives in Greenville and the other parent lives in another city, the parents might agree that the children will spend one week at each home.
Benefits of Joint Custody
Joint custody has several benefits for both the children and the parents. For the children, joint custody allows them to maintain a close relationship with both parents. They can spend quality time with both parents, which is essential for their emotional and mental well-being.
For the parents, joint custody allows them to share the responsibilities of raising their children, which can reduce stress and conflict. It also ensures that both parents have an equal say in making important decisions about their children’s lives.
Moreover, joint custody is one of the best options for parents who cannot agree on child custody matters. It allows them to come to an agreement that works for everyone involved because they both have an equal say in the matter.
What Legal Standards Are There for Determining Child Custody?
In South Carolina, the primary concern of the family court judges is the best interest of the minor children involved in the custody proceedings. The “best interests of the child” standard means that the court’s primary concern is to ensure that the children’s physical health and emotional well-being are protected.
The family court judge considers many factors when determining the child custody arrangement, including but not limited to the child’s physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental stability.
The court also considers the parents’ fitness, ability to provide for the child’s needs, and willingness to cooperate in the child’s upbringing.
Other Factors a Judge May Consider
When determining custody, South Carolina family courts consider several crucial factors, such as the child’s preference (if old enough), the parents’ physical and mental health, the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s needs, and any history of domestic violence or child abuse. The court may also consider each parent’s income and ability to maintain a stable home environment for the child.
Family court judges play a crucial role in determining child custody arrangements in South Carolina. They are responsible for evaluating the evidence presented in the custody proceedings and making a final determination in the child’s best interest. The judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests during custody.
How a Joint Custody Plan Works
Joint custody is an arrangement in which parents share physical and legal custody of their minor children. In South Carolina, joint custody arrangements may be established if both parents agree to it or if the court determines that joint custody is in the child’s best interest.
In a joint custody arrangement, both parents share decision-making authority for the child. They must work together to create a visitation schedule for equal time with each parent.
How to Create a Strong a Joint Custody Agreement
Parents must first file a custody petition with the family court to establish a joint custody agreement in Greenville, South Carolina.
Parents may negotiate an agreeable custody arrangement or have a court-appointed mediator facilitate the process during the custody process. This involves submitting proof of abuse or neglect, gathering financial documents and medical records, filing the proper forms with the court, filing standard interrogatories (questions posed to the other parent), and attending temporary hearings.
Related: Can You Change a Custody Agreement?
If the parents cannot come to an agreement, the case will proceed to a hearing before a family court judge. In any case, having an experienced child custody lawyer on your side is essential to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that your child’s best interests are served.
Contact an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer Today!
Navigating child custody issues can be a confusing and difficult process. With what is at stake, it’s important to have an experienced child custody lawyer on your side to help you understand the law and protect your legal rights.
Our family lawyers have helped countless parents easily navigate their child custody battles. Our lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to protect your rights in any child custody matter. We are dedicated to helping you resolve your case quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
Call or text us at (864) 475-9393. Let’s help you with a free case review. We are here to assist you through this difficult time and get the best possible outcome for you and your children.
