Seeking Custody In South Carolina

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We recently relocated to the United States from Guam two weeks ago. My son's father, who has never been in his life for the past 15 years, asked me to bring my son to visit him. I did, and because school was open I enrolled him in school. His father is now ⚟ me to go to court so he can get full custody of my son after spending time with him for only two weeks.
What is the current legal custody arrangement between you and your son's father?
There is no legal custody arrangement, he was never in his life, only pays $* a month for child support.
What is your son's age and does he wish to live with his father? In Florida, courts consider the child's preference if they are mature enough.
* and no he doesn't. He is adamant that he stay with me and his brother.
Has your son's father filed a formal petition for custody in a Florida court?

In Florida:
- The court considers the child's preference if they're mature enough.
- The court's primary concern is the child's best interest.
He's going to do it in South Carolina
What is the reason for filing the custody case in South Carolina instead of Florida?

In general:
- Jurisdiction usually lies where the child has lived for the past six months.
- South Carolina Family Court: (*) *-*, * Main St, Columbia, SC *.
We just moved to Florida, which was our intention, but his father lives in South Carolina.
What is your son's relationship with his father like?

In Florida:
- The court considers the child's relationship with each parent.
- Broward County Courthouse: (*) *-*, * SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL *.
My son says that since he was never in his life, he doesn't want to be with him and that he doesn't deserve to have custody.
Has your son's father provided any reasons to the court for seeking full custody?

In Florida:
- The court considers the reasons each parent gives for wanting custody.
- Broward County Courthouse: (*) *-*, * SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL *.
My son wants to know why he wants him now when he never wanted to be a part of his life before. And no, his father hasn't provided reasons, he has nothing to say that im unfit. I have proof of all of my son's accomplishments that I helped him with for the past 15 years, he has nothing to show.
Has your son's father provided any evidence to the court to support his claim for full custody?

In Florida:
- Evidence supporting the claim can influence the court's decision.
- Broward County Courthouse: (*) *-*, * SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL *.
No, he has no evidence. But I do.
What kind of evidence do you have to support your claim for custody? In Florida, courts consider all relevant factors when determining the best interest of the child.
I have my son to testify, I have certificates of his accomplishments. I have people willing to testify as to how close my sons and I are, and what kind of mother I am.
What is the nature of these accomplishments and who are the people willing to testify on your behalf? In Florida, courts consider the moral fitness and mental and physical health of the parents.
Royal Courts, A trophy for A Honor Roll, My certificates for involvement in the school. My niece, brother, my other son's father, and friends and family back on Guam who are willing to make statements or talk through video call.
What is the nature of your relationship with your other son's father and how does he contribute to your son's upbringing? In Florida, the court considers the child's relationship with other significant people in their life.
Our relationship is great, he sends me money to take care of both boys needs and wants. When we were on Guam and his ship would be in port he always made it a point to visit with the boys. He calls almost daily to check on us. I have no problems or issues with him.
What is the current relationship between your son and his biological father? In Florida, the court considers the child's relationship with each parent.
Which son, my youngest?
Yes, I'm referring to your youngest son. What is his current relationship with his biological father?
They have a great relationship, bith boys do, actually. They are always excited when he calls, messages, or when they know he is coming to see them.
What is the frequency of these interactions between your youngest son and his biological father?
*-* times a month if they are in Guam due to his father being a Merchant Marine. If not then it's video calls. He will be coming to visit them in a couple of weeks.
What is the nature of the relationship between your eldest son and his biological father, who is seeking custody?
He doesn't want anything to do with him. As he asked, why does he want me now when he never did before. I asked him if he'd like to stay there and he said NO.
What actions have you taken so far in response to your son's father's intention to file for custody?
I'm looking for someone to help me not let him get custody. After 15 years you can't not be there and now that he's older want to take him. I have been the only one to take care of him, take him to the doctor, stay up and care for him when he's sick, participate in everything that happened at school, and so much more.
Have you consulted with a lawyer in Florida or South Carolina about this custody issue?
Not yet, I'm looking for help.
What is your current location in Florida? This will help me provide you with the contact details of the nearest family law attorney or legal aid service.
Duval
What is your financial situation? Are you able to afford a private attorney or do you need assistance finding free or low-cost legal aid?
Im applying to many places because we just moved here yesterday.
What is your budget for legal services? In Florida, there are legal aid services that provide free or low-cost assistance to those who qualify based on income.
I can probably pay their minimum or work out a payment plan as soon as I get a job.
What is your estimated monthly income once you secure a job? This will help determine your eligibility for free or low-cost legal aid services in Florida.
Im not sure what the minimum wage is here in Florida.
The current minimum wage in Florida is $*.* per hour as of September *, *.
Probably $*-$* after taxes?
Based on your estimated income, you might qualify for legal aid. Here are some options in Duval, Florida:

- Jacksonville Area Legal Aid: (*) *-*, * W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL *
- Three Rivers Legal Services: (*) *-*, * University Blvd S Suite *, Jacksonville, FL *
Thank you
You're welcome, ****. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your case.