Legal Question in Family Law in South Carolina

Child Support

On April 21, 2004, My wife of 30 yrs left me while I was at the Commission of the Blind - I'm legally blind). We have a 14 yr old son who at first lived between us until Jan, 2005. He has lived with me since then permanently. I have tried to talk to her about coming back but was always hearing ''We'll see; I'll think about it; I don't want to come back to you; I don't want to come back to the house; I have no interest in the house anymore.'' Recently she has stated she is not coming back and has told our son the same. In filing for child support, will the state adhere to the support guildline's amount or can it be different? Also, since he has been living with me since Jan, 2005, does this mean that I have legal custody of him or do I have to file for it during a divorce?


Asked on 7/15/07, 12:21 pm

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

Re: Child Support

The "simple" answer is that the Family Court judge will address all of those issues once you file an action. Typically, it is best to address all of the issues (assets/debts, custody, child support, etc.) at one time, rather than attempting to do so piecemeal.

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 7/15/07, 3:51 pm


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