How does joint custody work in SC?
South Carolina child custody laws and courts heavily favor joint legal custody when the situation is appropriate. This requires co-parents to cooperate and work together in all major decisions regarding their child. Sole legal custody is just the opposite; only one co-parent is given these rights.
What is split custody in SC?
“Divided” or “split” custody is a variation of sole custody that occurs when there is more than one child and sole custody of one or more children is awarded to one parent and sole custody of the remaining child or children is awarded to the other parent.
Do you have to pay child support if you have joint custody in SC?
In South Carolina shared custody, the nonresidential parent pays child support to the residential parent. In the case of a 50/50 split, the higher earner generally pays child support to the lower earner to ensure the children’s standard of living is the same in both locations.
What are child custody laws in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, if the parents are married, Section 63-5-30 states that “neither parent has any right paramount to the right of the other concerning the custody of the minor . . . .” In other words, both parents have equal rights.
What’s the difference between joint custody and sole custody?
Joint custody means both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child. Sole custody means one parent has the right and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child.
When does non custodial parent have custody of child?
The typical standard is that the non custodial parent will have custody of the child every other weekend from 6 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Sunday, one evening every week and split time for holiday and school vacation periods.
How does joint custody of a child work?
Joint custody generally works well if parents are able to communicate with each other and place their children’s needs over their own differences and wishes. A well-drafted joint custody order should explicitly dictate how parents will communicate with each other in making major decisions.
When one parent has sole legal and physical custody, the noncustodial parent has an equal right to access the child’s medical or educational records. Additionally, South Carolina child custody laws allow a noncustodial parent to participate in and attend a child’s school activities unless it’s expressly prohibited by court order.
Can a judge order joint custody in South Carolina?
Judges in South Carolina are authorized to order either joint or single-parent custody of a child subject to a custody dispute. Courts in South Carolina do not have a presumption in favor joint custody orders when evaluating child custody.
Joint custody means both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child. Sole custody means one parent has the right and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child.
Who is responsible for child support without physical custody?
The parent without primary physical custody (called the “noncustodial parent”) is usually responsible for paying child support to the other parent. Legal custody is distinct from physical custody.