Legal Question in Family Law in South Carolina

Help with Child Custody

I have a 14 year old daughter. I have custody of her. Her father is allowed to have her every other weekend. On July 12th at 9 pm she left my house with him. I was able to call and find him. He said that she didn't want to come home so he wasn't going to bring her home. I went to the police, family court and to a lawyer. I can't afford a lawyer and make too much for legal aide. I know I can file a order to show cause to take him to court, but I would have to find him to do this and I am not sure all the steps needed to make sure that I do it right. He moved out of his father's house last weekend. I do not have a clue where he is with my daughter. The police tell me there is nothing they can do. Any help in the matter would be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 7/20/07, 1:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ben Stevens The Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center

Re: Help with Child Custody

It sounds as though he has the child in violation of a custody order, which would constitute kidnapping. If you were not successful in your first contact with law enforcement, you might consider pursuing that route again. Otherwise, you may end up having to use a private investigator to locate the father to serve him with your contempt paperwork.

These are complex issues, and it is important that they be handled correctly. Therefore, it is important that you consult an experienced family law attorney to find out what options are available to you based on the facts of your particular case. If you need more information, you can visit my family law blog (www.SCFamilyLaw.com) or our website (www.StevensFirm.com). I wish you the best of luck.

Ben Stevens

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Answered on 7/22/07, 10:13 pm


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