Legal Question in Family Law in South Carolina
Father's Parental Rights
I have an 8 year old daughter. She was taken by DSS from her mother, placed in a foster home for a period of time, and then DSS and Family Court gave grandmother full custody without me knowing anything. I was not contacted concerning this matter. I have court ordered child support. I am married and have a stable career. I don't make enough money to afford a lawyer, but I do not fall under the state poverty level to get free legal help. I want custody of my child. She lives in an environment where her grandmother smokes and curses and her step grandfather drinks heavily. Everytime I do get to see her, she is dirty. She smells like she has not taken a bath in weeks. I am concerned for my daughter and I really need legal representation. After talking with DSS, they said the case was closed, they could not reopen it, admitted to their mistake in not contacting me, and said they cannot provide me with representation. They said I have to get a private attorney. Please someone help me. I love my daughter and want her to grow up in a healthy physical, emotional, spiritual, and economical environment.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Father's Parental Rights
There are a few things you need to know. You can probably obtain legal representation. You may have to make monthly payments to a lawyer until you get to the retainer amount required, but you can afford an attorney to attempt to get custody of your child if she is in a bad place.
Where are you located? Have you checked with the SC Bar Association to seek a referral in your county? Have you checked with the pro bono program at the SC Bar Association to see if you or your child may qualify for some type of help? Have you ever used an attorney in the past for anything? If so, have you asked him for a referral?
The bottom line is this-if your child is in an environment which is not in the child's best interest and you are aware of it, you need to get busy and activly seek help. Regardless of what you may have heard, love does not make the world go around. You have to make it go around. Start looking for an attorney.
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