Child Custody Attorneys in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Undergoing a divorce or separation is an overwhelming process. When you add children to the mix, it can often feel like you're swimming upstream. However, you're not alone. At Brener Hurteau Family Law, we recognize the deeply emotional and complicated nature of child custody matters and stand ready to fight.

Custody and support agreements are crucial to protecting your children's well-being while ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for both parents. Whether you are going through the early stages of a custody case, seeking to modify a child support order, or enforcing an existing arrangement, our experienced attorneys can provide the guidance you need.

Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, we serve clients throughout Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, and Kiawah Island. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Child Custody in South Carolina

In South Carolina, child custody is determined with one primary focus—the best interests of the child. At our firm, we work closely with you to understand your family’s unique circumstances and to help you achieve a custody arrangement that reflects and supports your child’s welfare.

Types of Custody Arrangements

South Carolina courts recognize two primary forms of custody. These include physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the child resides and who is responsible for their day-to-day care. Legal custody refers to the right to make significant decisions regarding a child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

These custodial rights may be awarded solely to one parent (sole custody) or shared between both parents (joint custody). At Brener Hurteau Family Law, our role is to help you determine which arrangement works best for your family and to advocate for your goals in court, if necessary.

Factors Considered by South Carolina Courts

In South Carolina, family courts consider a range of factors when determining custody arrangements. The primary factors they will take a look at include:

• The child’s age, health, and special needs

• Each parent’s ability to care for and support the child

• The level of involvement each parent had in the child’s life prior to the separation

• Stability provided by each parent, including home environment

• The child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity

• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse

If you are pursuing child custody, it's important to present a clear and convincing case that highlights your ability to provide a nurturing, safe, and stable environment for your child. With years of experience handling child custody cases in South Carolina, our attorneys can help you vigorously advocate for your case.

Child Support in South Carolina

For child support agreements, South Carolina follows specific guidelines to make sure children receive adequate financial support from both parents. However, every family’s situation is unique, and deviations from the standard guidelines may sometimes be necessary to ensure fairness.

How Child Support is Calculated

South Carolina courts typically determine child support by using the state's Child Support Guidelines. To achieve an agreement that is fair and equitable to both parents, these guidelines consider a range of factors, including:

• Each parent’s gross income

• The number of children involved

• Health insurance expenses for the child

• Work-related childcare costs

Additionally, the courts may also consider extraordinary expenses, such as private school tuition, special medical needs, or extracurricular activities.

Modifications and Enforcement

Life circumstances change, and support orders may need to be modified to reflect shifts in income, employment, or other factors. At Brener Hurteau Family Law, we have experience in helping our clients pursue modifications to ensure their child support obligations remain fair and manageable.

On the other hand, if you are facing challenges enforcing an existing support order, we can assist in holding the other party accountable through legal measures.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Brener Hurteau Family Law, we understand how critical it is to protect your parental rights and secure your child’s future. We are not just legal representatives—we strive to be your partners in navigating the child custody and support with compassion and skill. Some of the aspects that set our firm apart include:

• Personalized attention: We focus on your specific needs and goals to craft effective legal strategies tailored to your family’s situation.

• Extensive experience: Our in-depth knowledge of South Carolina family law allows us to confidently guide you through even the most difficult custody or support cases.

• Strong advocacy: Whether negotiating an agreement or litigating your case in court, we are dedicated to pursuing the best possible outcome.

• Empathy and Support: We understand the emotional toll of these matters and are committed to addressing your concerns with care.

Child Custody and Support FAQ

What happens if one parent refuses to pay child support?

If one parent fails to meet their child support obligations, legal enforcement measures can be taken. These may include wage garnishments, tax refund interceptions, license suspension, or even contempt of court proceedings. It’s crucial to address noncompliance through the proper legal channels.

Do I need a lawyer to handle child custody and support issues?

While it is possible to represent yourself, an experienced family law attorney can make a significant difference. An attorney can help you understand your rights, prepare legal documents, and advocate for your interests to pursue the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Can child support be used for expenses other than basic needs?

Yes, child support is intended to cover a range of expenses, including education, healthcare, childcare, and extracurricular activities, in addition to basic needs like food and clothing. The goal is to maintain the child’s standard of living regardless of the custody arrangement.

Child Custody Attorneys in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Child custody and support issues can be daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Brener Hurteau Family Law, our attorneys will stand by your side at every step to make sure your child’s best interests remain at the forefront of every decision.

Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, we serve clients throughout Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Charleston, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, and Kiawah Island. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.