( 300+)When you need an experienced child custody lawyer in Greenville, SC, we will fight for you. Call 864-635-6323 to talk to lawyer Angela Frazier about your case.
Attorney for Child Custody in Greenville
Perhaps there is no more important legal matter than custody of your children. As a mom to two small kids, Angela Frazier knows that you have concerns about how a custody case may impact your children’s futures.
You want to win, and that’s why Angela Frazier is a lawyer who fights for her clients. When you need compassionate and skilled legal services to establish, change or enforce child custody orders, you can turn to our firm for relentless representation.
We represent clients in Greenville, SC and the surrounding courts. We also represent clients in other locations who have custody cases in the Greenville area.
A Female Child Custody Lawyer and Mother Herself
Angela Frazier is a female child custody lawyer. She loves her two young children dearly, and knows the daily concerns and needs of parents like you. She knows there’s days where you might be exhausted or discouraged and feeling like no one truly listens to what you’re going through as a family.
Angela strives to connect personally with every mother or father she represents. When you meet with attorney Angela Frazier, she’ll be in tune with your story. She understands that parenting is rewarding, but it can be a little hard.
As a mom and as a custody attorney, Angela sees child-related legal issues a little differently. She believes understanding your individual situation makes a large difference in the outcome of a custody case. Let her unique perspective achieve your goals as a parent.
Fighting for your children, fighting for you
At our family law firm in Greenville, we will be outworked by no one. Child custody cases are extremely consequential for the parents and children involved. As a parent, you’re rightfully anxious about the legal proceedings ahead of you.
Attorney Angela Frazier understands the law, and she understands the mission. You can leave it to her to take care of your custody case, relieving you of the burden and fully representing your interests.
How We Represent You
Here are some ways a child custody lawyer assists you:
Explaining the law
South Carolina child custody laws are complex. We can explain how they apply to your case.
Identifying legal issues
With experience in the law, we anticipate important things to address in your case.
Developing a case plan
We’ll talk about the possibilities for your case, potential outcomes and what to consider as we develop a case plan. We’ll explain what you need to do and ways you can help your case.
Legal pleadings and procedure
A child custody case is a legal proceeding. We’ll file the legal documents on your behalf.
Negotiating and communicating
By its nature, a child custody proceeding is adversarial. Count on us to take care of communications about the case with your child’s other parent, witnesses and others involved.
Solo Law Firm, Focused on You
When you hire us as your child custody lawyer, you’re hiring a lawyer who does things differently. Angela Frazier is a solo attorney. That means you have a person who is devoted to your case and focused on your needs.
It’s important that we learn your story, listen to you and answer your questions. Our team is always here when you need us, and our focus is on you.
The Child’s “Best Interest” Under South Carolina Law
Virtually every issue involving children is legally analyzed according to the child’s best interests. You can find a full list of factors a judge considers at South Carolina Code § 63-15-240(B). Among the most important are:
- The child’s developmental needs
- Each parent’s capacity to meet their child’s needs;
- Each parent’s relationship with the children up to that point
- The stability of each parent’s home
- The parents’ wishes regarding custody
- A child’s preferences
- Whether a parent has encouraged the child’s relationship with the other parent
- Any manipulative or coercive behavior from parents
- The child’s adjustment to home, community, and school
- Other considerations
Work closely with a child custody lawyer in Greenville, SC, to discuss how a judge will likely decide your custody case. No one factor is more important than the other.
We can discuss ways to strengthen your claim for custody. For example, you might need to spend more time with your children to establish a stronger relationship, or you might need to address physical or emotional health issues. By starting early, you improve the odds of making a favorable impression on a judge.
Avoiding a Custody Fight
As a mother herself, Angela realizes that family disagreements are stressful on children. Many parents seek to decide on custody without involving the courts.
Parents can negotiate their own custody arrangement. The arrangement is subject to approval from a judge, but when parents work in good faith, they can often reach an agreement that works for everybody. In negotiation, parents can craft a parenting plan that takes into account their job schedules and other demands.
Hire the right custody lawyer in Greenville, SC. Some lawyers are more accustomed to fighting than negotiating in an effective manner. Angela Frazier is adept at both.
Gearing Up for a South Carolina Custody Fight
A custody fight is never ideal, but is sometimes necessary. There are situations where the other parent is not behaving rationally, or they are a danger to your children. Amicable negotiations go out the window.
Our firm doesn’t shy away from a fight when it is what our clients want and need. Sometimes you can only fight fire with fire, especially where the other parent is being unfair.
We can also address any embarrassing information that might come up in a custody fight, such as domestic violence or other criminal activity. You can be sure the other side will use anything as ammunition in a custody battle.
Angela Frazier is a straight shooter. She can provide frank advice about your chances of obtaining custody. Our firm can also develop a game plan for addressing any problems, such as entering a treatment program to get on top of an addiction.
What does a child custody lawyer do?
A child custody lawyer advocates for a parent in a child custody matter. They seek the most favorable order regarding care of minor children and child support.
Child custody orders may be detailed, reflecting the specific needs of the children and circumstances surrounding the parents. Our goal is a custody order that reflects the law and your rights as a parent.
Why get a lawyer for child custody?
Talking to a child custody lawyer can give you perspective regarding your situation. Learn what you should do, and what to avoid. There are things that may be important before you even file your case. If the other parent has filed legal documents, you have a limited time to respond. Contact us right away.
As your child custody lawyer in Greenville, SC, we’re here to lead. Please contact us for a personalized consultation.
Am I entitled to full custody?
South Carolina doesn’t recognize the concept of “full custody.” Instead, parents will usually divide legal and physical custody. Although it’s possible that one parent can receive sole custody, it’s rare. Instead, both parents will be involved unless the court finds one of them is unfit. Contact our office to discuss your case with a Greenville custody lawyer.
Will I get custody if I am the mother to young children?
Not necessarily. The state abolished the tender years doctrine with S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-10. What matters is the quality relationship and other relevant “best interest” factors, not your gender. Both mothers and fathers stand on equal footing when it comes to child custody.
Can my child choose which parent will have custody?
Not by themselves. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-30, the court must consider a child’s reasonable preference when it comes to custody. However, the weight a judge gives a child’s preference will depend on their age and maturity. A young child’s preference will carry much less weight than a 16-year-old’s preferences.
Are fathers disadvantaged in South Carolina custody cases?
The state law requires that judges not discriminate against men in divorce or child custody. As a female custody lawyer, Angela is attuned to any accusation of gender bias in South Carolina family courts. She can work to ensure that her clients are treated fairly by judges and other court staff. Where necessary, our firm will remind judges of the law that puts men and women on equal footing when it comes to custody.
What is mediation in South Carolina courts, and will I have to participate?
Mediation is a type of guided negotiation which courts have increasingly favored. Parents meet with a trained mediator, who is neutral. Their job is to help shape the discussion and get parents to listen to each other. A mediator might also make recommendations for resolving the dispute. Although the judge might require participation in mediation, you do not have to accept the mediator’s suggested resolution to the custody dispute.
Types of Cases We Handle in South Carolina
Child custody as part of divorce
When parties divorce, child custody orders are part of the divorce proceeding. Custody cases are often contested in the event of divorce.
Temporary custody orders
Parents should not overlook the importance of temporary orders, which last for the duration of a divorce. A temporary order often sets the stage for a final order, with South Carolina judges preferring to maintain the status quo.
Establishment of custody, paternity proceedings
We can initiate or respond to a court case to establish a parental relationship and child custody orders. A parent will also need to support a child financially, so they might pay child support.
Changing child custody orders
Sometimes, child custody orders need to be changed. We can seek to change a custody order or help you respond to one that has been filed.
Enforcement actions
If a parent isn’t following a custody order, we can take action to enforce the order. A judge can modify custody or possibly even change custody, depending on the seriousness of the violations.
Visitation and parenting time
Our law office assists parents with visitation schedules and issues regarding parenting time.
Parental Relocation
The primary custodial parent might seek to move farther away, possibly to a different state to pursue a new career or relationship. A court might need to approve this move over a parent’s objection.
Common Issues in Child Custody Cases
Joint/Sole Custody
Child custody may be awarded to one or both parents, depending on the best interests of the children.
Physical and legal custody
A parent’s rights regarding a child involve the physical care of the child and major decisions in the child’s upbringing.
Conditions on parenting time
It may be appropriate to place conditions on a parent’s time with the children to make it safe and meaningful. Examples may be supervision or restriction of third parties.
Guardian ad litem
In contested cases, a judge will usually appoint a GAL to represent the child and draft a report. Parents need a lawyer experienced working with GALs to review the recommendations.
Special needs children
Our law firm can assist you when a child custody matter must address the special needs of a child.
Education and religious upbringing
When parents disagree on education and religious training of a child, a child custody lawyer can advocate for your child’s best interests.
Communication between parents, parental exchanges
Let our team help you address communication between parents, including when a parent is non-cooperative.
Military service members
There are applicable laws when a child custody matter involves a military service member.
Parents in different states/countries
We advocate for you when a child custody matter involves parents in different states or countries. Complicated laws determine which court has the authority to hear a child custody issue.
Domestic violence
We fight to protect our clients and their children when a child custody matter involves domestic violence.
Child support
Child support is a critical part of any child custody case. The amount of support a parent pays is directly related to the parenting schedule and the number of overnights with a parent.
Representing Clients in Greenville, SC and the Surrounding Areas
Angela is proud to represent both women and men in child custody and related matters.
Elliott Frazier — Family, Personal Injury, & Car Accident Attorneys, LLC is currently accepting new child custody clients in the Upstate. Our firm can help anyone in the 29605 and 29464 zip codes or nearby areas with child custody needs. We’re not afraid of a fight, and that’s exactly what you need in a lawyer when you have a child custody matter. Count on us to work relentlessly for your rights.
How to contact us
Call 864-635-6323 or message our child custody lawyer Angela Frazier today.
