Sumter Family Law Attorney

Sumter, SC Family Lawyer

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we understand how painful court-related family matters can be. Every parent wants to make sure that his or her children are well cared for and have all that they need. Our Sumter family law attorney is here to help you every step of the way. If you would like to learn more about how our family law firm can help you and your family in the Sumter, Charleston, Camden, West Columbia, Orangeburg, Columbia, Florence, and Manning, SC areas, contact us today.

We understand that this can be a stressful time for you and your family, and often, each party is unaware of their rights and those of the other. Our divorce and child support attorneys will help you through the process, listening to your concerns and helping you achieve the most favorable outcome. Whether you are facing custody battles after a divorce, child support claims, domestic violence protection, or other matters, our family court attorney is ready to assist with any legal representation you need.

For more information or to get started on your case in the Sumter, Charleston, Camden, West Columbia, Orangeburg, Columbia, Florence, or Manning, SC areas, contact us today.

What Does a Sumter Family Lawyer Do?

Family law firms handle issues relating to families in Sumter, SC. This area of law usually encompasses things like divorces, separations, adoptions, child custody, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and similar matters. Because family law can be a broad field that contains a lot of twists and turns as society advances, lawyers who specialize in this field tend to be flexible and compassionate individuals who are always ready to help.

Our team understands the emotional and often difficult nature of family law and we are always ready to answer your questions and provide whatever assistance is necessary. Family law can be complex when you factor in the different reasons for divorce, the different situations at play in a child custody case, or the specific components that need to be included in a will; we keep on top of current legal standards and always advocate diligently to protect our clients’ best interests. No matter what your individual case might entail, you can trust our family law firm to handle it with sensitivity and professionalism.

Child Support

We help parents to determine an amount of child support that is fair and makes sure that the children have all they need. Whether you are seeking necessary child support from an uncooperative partner or want to make sure that the child support you are paying is used only to care for your children, our law firm is able to assist.

Contact our family court attorneys today; we are ready to help with any and all child support litigation matters in the Sumter, Charleston, Camden, West Columbia, and Orangeburg, SC areas. We can assist no matter where you are in your legal journey, and our child support attorneys can give you the dedication and care you deserve.

Child Custody and Visitation

Our family lawyers help parents establish custody and visitation agreements that ensure their child’s interests are at the forefront of determination. We will negotiate custody agreements, represent our clients in all custody hearings, and modify all existing custody orders when circumstances shift and change.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Our Sumter family law attorneys offer legal counsel and support in the drafting and negotiations of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. These legal agreements address issues like property division, spousal support, child custody, and other financial matters in the event of divorce or separation. We will also support in the upholding of these agreements in the event of divorce and legal separation.

Domestic Violence

If you are a victim of domestic violence, our team is here to help represent you. Our family court attorney can help to ensure that you are safe and that your former spouse or partner can no longer harm you. We can also assist parties who have been accused of domestic violence, ensuring that the whole story is heard in court and that no one is punished for something they did not do.

Divorce and Separation

In divorce and legal separation processes, family court attorneys can assist in essential ways. This includes the filing of divorce petitions, negotiating property division, spousal support, and child custody determination while representing their clients in all divorce court proceedings. Our attorneys understand how turbulent a divorce or separation can be for our clients, especially in cases where children are involved.

FAQs

Q: When Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in South Carolina?

A: A child cannot choose which parent to live with in South Carolina until they are 18 years old. While a judge may consider the preference of a child older than 12 years old, ultimately, the judge will make the final call on where a child lives based on what is the foremost interest of the child. This is because a child is not always able to fully understand the terms and circumstances of a divorce.

Q: What Are the Custody Laws in South Carolina?

A: The child custody laws in South Carolina are found in Title 63 of the South Carolina Children’s Code. Child custody laws are in place to serve as a guideline in determining the legal rights and responsibilities of parents or guardians that impact the care, upbringing, and welfare of a child. These laws protect the interests of a child while ensuring parents and guardians fulfill their legal obligations in providing for their child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

Q: Can You Represent Yourself in Family Court in South Carolina?

A: You can represent yourself in family court in South Carolina; this is known as “pro se.” Individuals can represent themselves in matters related to child custody, divorce, visitation, and other family law issues. Family court cases are generally complicated, and the legal system is challenging to navigate without proper knowledge and understanding of laws and how the court system works, so collaboration with a family law attorney is generally advisable.

Q: At What Age Can a Child Refuse Visitation in SC?

A: A child cannot refuse visitations in South Carolina unless the court agrees. In general, the court will determine visitation details and if the court believes it is in the interest of the child to have visitations with both parents, children and parents must comply. If there are legitimized reasons why the child is scared or unwilling to see a parent in cases of abuse, parents must report this to the proper authority, and visitation requirements can shift.

Contact Our Sumter Family Law Attorneys Today

Time is of the essence when it comes to family law cases. The sooner you get strong legal representation, the sooner you can make sure that the court treats you and your family fairly. Contact our experienced family court attorneys for assistance in the Sumter, Charleston, Camden, West Columbia, and Orangeburg, SC areas.