Quite a few couples who aren’t happy with their marriage will still stay with their spouse because they worry about how divorce will impact their children. There are also others who have heard stories of one parent losing custody and not having a relationship with their children anymore. Divorce could seem like too much of a risk for you as a parent who loves their children.
If you are one of those people who has put off seriously considering divorce because of its implication on your relationship with your children, learning more about how South Carolina makes custody decisions might make you feel more comfortable in pursuing your own happiness.
The focus is always on the best interests of the children
Between people telling exaggerated or misrepresented stories on social media and dramatized stories from fiction, most everyone has heard a story of a good and loving parent who winds up losing custody of their children. Such an outcome may seem terrifying, but it is not likely.
The South Carolina family courts make all custody decisions based on what they see as the best interests of the children. Most of the time, those best interests include a stable home life and the ability to spend significant time with both of their parents on a regular basis. Even newborn children should spend time with both parents to ensure they bond properly.
Only in situations where one parent is unstable or poses some kind of threat to the children will the courts typically decide that only one parent will have custody after a divorce.
Working with your ex can give you more control over the final outcome
Instead of trying to use the children as a tool to hurt each other, you and your ex can view one another as tools to support your children. That is a much more positive way to handle co-parenting or shared custody after a divorce.
In fact, there’s nothing stopping you from focusing on the positive while you still need to finalize your divorce. You can potentially work together to set your own terms for custody and other factors. An uncontested divorce not only gives you more control over the outcome but also shields your children from the drama and acrimony common in contested court proceedings. Getting the right help will make the process easier, whatever approach you use.
