Fort Mill Child Custody | Types of Child Custody and Grandparent Rights

Determining Fort Mill child custody is of paramount importance in family law. Our attorneys at Robert J. Reeves P.C. will work to ensure that you receive the best possible custody outcome for your case. Now, this may mean that you become the custodial parent or it could mean that you get a favorable visitation schedule. Either way, our attorneys will make sure the result is fair to you.

Types of Fort Mill Child Custody

There are three types of child custody in Fort Mill: sole custody, joint custody, and divided custody. Among these, sole custody is the most common form of Fort Mill child custody. A court is unlikely to award joint custody, but the parties can agree to it. And, the court frowns upon divided custody because it separates siblings from one another.

Sole custody essentially results in all children going to one parent. This parent is the custodial parent. The other parent receives visitation rights instead of custody. Visitation will usually include alternating weekends, portions of holidays, and a few weeks in the summer. However, the parties have liberty to draft the visitation schedule they believe to be the best for the children.

Joint custody results in both parents having custody of the child. Parents receive nearly equal physical custody of the children and share the responsibility of making major decision regarding the children. Because courts are unlikely to award this type of custody, parties often must agree to it during mediation.

Divided custody only applies when there is more than one child. With this custody, some children go to one parent. The other children go to the other parent. Courts do not like to grant this type of custody. Usually, you will only see it if the facts are just right.

When deciding who gets custody, courts always consider the best interest of the child. This standard guides all Fort Mill custody decisions. There are 17 other factors that a court looks at. However, these factors exist to help a court decide the best interest of the child.

Grandparents and Third Parties

There are times when child custody is not just a matter between the parents. Sometimes, a grandparent or third party wants custody of a child. While this is possible, it is not easy. They must prove that they have been the primary caregiver and financial supporter of the child. Also, the child must have resided with them for six months, if under the age of three, or one year, if older.

Also, grandparents can ask a court for visitation rights.

We know that Fort Mill child custody can be a battle. Our attorneys will work with you to make sure that your children continue to be a big part of your life.