Child Custody in South Carolina Divorce

One of the most difficult issues for parents in a divorce is the issue of child custody. Many parents have questions about what custody means and how it will work in the real world once the divorce is finalized. Custody has two categories, legal and physical. Physical custody refers to who the child will live with while legal custody refers to who will make the important and big decisions about the child's welfare and future, such as in terms of education, medical care, and religion. Both of these types of custody may be held as either joint or sole custody, depending on what is decided between the parents or by the courts.

In a joint physical and legal custody situation, the child will spend time at both parent's places of residence and both parents will have a say in the major decisions regarding the child's life. Joint physical custody allows the child to have a continuing, unbroken relationship with both parents but requires that logistics work to make this possible. If the parents live too far apart to be able to manage sending a child back and forth, it may be too stressful for the child and the parents to make such a custody arrangement workable. Legal custody does not require the same logistics as both parents can contribute to these important decisions without the need for physical contact with the child. Joint physical custody also may not work when parents cannot work together to make the arrangements necessary to make it happen. Luckily, in today's world with cell phone texting and emails, parents who would prefer to keep physical contact at a minimum can rely on these forms of communication in keeping physical custody working.

Family Law Firm in Lexington, South Carolina

If you are facing the issue of child custody, whether due to an impending divorce or in a post-divorce situation, getting the sound legal advice and assistance of a family lawyer is highly advised. The Law Office of Andrew Farley, LLC provides excellent legal help to individuals and families in Lexington, Columbia, and in Richland County. Attorney Farley is a past president of the Lexington County Bar and extremely well-versed in divorce and family law matters in the local courts.

Getting the guidance and legal representation you need in a legal matter that can impact your life and your child's life for years to come is vital. Mr. Farley will give your case the attention it needs and is committed to providing you with the highest level of client service. To learn more about child custody, divorce, and other family law matters, visit the firm's website at www.afarleylaw.com or contact the firm to schedule an appointment.