{"id":376207,"date":"2025-03-13T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-child-custody-and-support.html"},"modified":"2025-03-13T23:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T04:00:00","slug":"south-carolina-child-custody-and-support","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-child-custody-and-support.html","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina Child Custody and Support"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Carolina Child Custody and Support<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The two main types of child custody in South Carolina are legal custody, which is the right to make major decisions about a child\u2019s welfare, and physical custody, which is where the child lives. Courts prioritize stability for the child and consider factors like the primary caregiver role and home environment when awarding sole or joint custody of a child. Changes in circumstances can lead to modifications in custody arrangements and child support to ensure decisions remain in the child’s best interests.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Types of Child Custody<\/b><\/p>\n

In the case of a divorce<\/a> or legal separation<\/a>, either the parents or a South Carolina family court <\/a>will determine legal and physical custody issues regarding shared minor children:<\/p>\n