In 2021, the divorce rate in South Carolina was 7.1 per 1,000 women. In 2022, it went up to 7.5. This is lower than the US divorce rate of 14.56 per 1,000 women, which equates to around 86 people filing for divorce each hour.
When parents get divorced in South Carolina, one of the most important and often contentious issues is child custody. South Carolina family courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. In this article, you can read the strategies a family law attorney in Rock Hill suggests you can use to strengthen your case and improve your chances of winning primary or sole custody of your children in South Carolina:
Be an Involved and Loving Parent
Judges want to award custody to the parent who has been the most engaged and involved in the children’s lives, which typically means moms – 80% of custodial parents are mothers. Be sure you are attending school events, medical appointments, extracurricular activities, etc.
Show the judge all the ways you have supported and cared for the children. Bring evidence like photos, certificates of achievement, and report cards where you are listed as the contact parent. The more proof you have of being an attentive, loving parent, the better.
Keep Detailed Records and a Parenting Journal
Document everything related to your parenting time and responsibilities. Keep a detailed parenting journal noting your routines, meals, activities, conversations with your children, and more. Also, log any instances where the other parent misses visits, cancels plans, or neglects responsibilities. Thorough records demonstrate your commitment.
Have Realistic Expectations
Judges want to see that you have realistic expectations for custody arrangements. Unless there are safety concerns, South Carolina family courts start with the assumption that both parents should have frequent and continuing contact with their children. Don’t go for full custody off the bat. Reasonable visitation schedules are always better. 90% of child custody cases end up being settled before a judge has to rule, which is better for everyone.
Stay Calm During Court Proceedings
Emotions may run high during a custody battle, but it is essential you stay calm and composed in court. Judges will observe your behavior. Angry outbursts or emotional reactions will only hurt your case. Focus on calmly presenting factual information that supports your request.
Cooperate with the Other Parent
While contesting custody, it is still critical to maintain a cooperative co-parenting relationship. The court wants to avoid high-conflict situations.
You have the best chance at getting more custody time if you can demonstrate a willingness to peacefully co-parent with your ex for the child’s benefit.
Prioritize Your Child’s Needs
Make it clear to the judge that your top priority is your child’s best interests rather than “winning” the custody battle. Provide insight into your child’s needs and preferences and how you plan to provide a stable environment. Your flexibility and openness to compromise show maturity.
Consider mediation to resolve disputes, as it results in an agreement around 75% of the time.
Have an Experienced Attorney
Work with an attorney experienced in South Carolina custody law. Experienced child custody lawyers can advise you on the best legal strategies and ensure you take the right steps both in and out of court to present yourself as the ideal primary custodial parent. An attorney may also negotiate settlements that give you more custody without prolonged litigation.
With the right preparation and legal guidance, you can develop an effective case and have a good chance of winning the custody arrangement you want. Stay strategic throughout the proceedings, and keep the judge convinced you are the parent best suited to have primary custody.
Ben Austin is the founder and CEO of multi-award-winning digital marketing agency Absolute Digital Media. Ben loves to write and share exclusive insights into the world of digital marketing from his own eyes.
