Child Custody Lawyers in Lexington & Across the Midlands
When your family's future is on the line, turn to Jewitte Dooley Law for advocacy from experienced, client-focused attorneys. Since 2014, we’ve helped individuals and families across South Carolina navigate complex family law matters, including custody disputes. We know the kinds of stresses that come with these cases and are here to make the process easier. When you partner with us, you’ll get clear guidance, tailor-made advocacy, and support from a team that genuinely cares about you and your loved ones. That kind of consistent, attentive representation is a hallmark of our firm, and it's what families across the Palmetto State have come to rely on.
Reach out online or call (803) 965-3473 today to speak with our child custody lawyers in Lexington about your situation and how we can help.
How Can We Help with Your Child Custody Case?
Whether you are navigating custody arrangements for the first time during a divorce or separation, working through a difficult co-parenting dispute, or seeking to modify an existing custody or visitation order, Jewitte Dooley Law is here for you.
Our attorneys handle the full range of child custody matters, including:
Custody during divorce and separation – We can help you establish arrangements that protect your relationship with your children while minimizing conflict and uncertainty during an already difficult time.
Visitation and parenting time – We can work to make sure that schedules are fair, practical, and enforceable, so you and your loved ones have clarity going forward.
Child support – Alongside custody, we help clients understand and establish child support obligations that reflect their families’ needs.
Custody modifications – We assist clients in seeking modifications to existing orders when a significant change in circumstances calls for it.
Contested custody cases – Our team can advocate for an outcome that’s best-suited for you and your family.
Even if your case seems amicable, working with a family law attorney like ours can give you peace of mind. Our team can make certain that your child custody arrangement is established correctly, legally sound, and enforceable.
“We could not be happier with the outcome.”
Jewitte has handled both of our adoptions, and we could not be happier with the outcome and the communication throughout the process. She was very knowledgeable, and I would recommend her for anyone with a family law issue.
S.F.
“Knowledgeable staff.”
Very knowledgeable staff and kind nature.
D.D.
“Great, professional people.”
Great, professional people. Amber is a great attorney!!!!!
W.L.
“Highly recommended.”
Jewitte is very professional a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.
L.H.
“Highly recommend.”
“Jewitte and her team were kind, courteous, highly responsive and handled our adoption matter in a timely and efficient way despite coronavis delays.”
Much of our practice comes from referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations from former clients. Our reputation reflects our dedication to achieving positive outcomes while providing dedicated client service.
Focused Exclusively on Family Law Matters
We handle a wide range of family law issues, including divorce, child custody, support, alimony, adoption, and paternity matters. This focused experience allows us to provide knowledgeable guidance tailored to your family's needs.
Compassionate Support During Difficult Times
Family law matters are deeply personal, and we approach every case with empathy and understanding. Our team is committed to helping clients feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout the legal process.
Personalized Attention Every Step of the Way
As a boutique family law firm, we provide direct attorney access and one-on-one guidance throughout your case. You'll never feel like just another file, we take the time to understand your goals and concerns.
They weigh a broad set of factors to make that determination, including the following:
The child's temperament and developmental needs
Either parent's capability of meeting those needs and remaining actively involved in the child's life
The child's preference, depending on their maturity and age
The parents' wishes
The child's existing relationships with parents, siblings, and other significant people in their life, such as grandparents
Whether each parent has encouraged a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent
Any history of manipulation, coercive behavior, or disparagement of the other parent
The child's adjustment to their current home, school, and community
The stability of each parent's living situation
The mental and physical health of all parties involved
Cultural and spiritual backgrounds and considerations
Any history of domestic violence or child abuse within the family
Any relocation by a parent within the past year
Beyond the above, our state’s courts have broad discretion to consider any additional factors they deem relevant to the child's well-being.
Types of Custody in South Carolina
Legal Custody
Legal custody grants you the right to make major decisions about your child's life, including decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Legal custody can be granted to one parent (sole legal custody) or shared between both parents (joint legal custody).
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to where the child mainly lives and which parent is responsible for day-to-day care. Exactly like legal custody, physical custody can be sole (the child lives primarily with one parent, with the other having visitation rights) or joint (the child spends significant time living with both parents).
Can You Change a Custody Arrangement?
Yes, but you must prove that a significant enough change has occurred to necessitate adjusting a child custody order.
Courts look at this on a case-by-case basis, but common examples include:
A significant change in a parent's living situation, employment, or ability to care for the child
One parent relocating in a way that affects the existing arrangement
Changes in the child's needs, such as new educational, medical, or emotional needs that the current arrangement no longer addresses
A parent's remarriage or the introduction of a new household member
Evidence of neglect, abuse, or other circumstances that affect the child's safety or well-being
A meaningful shift in the child's own preferences as they get older
If you believe your circumstances have changed enough to warrant a modification, our attorneys can help you evaluate your situation and determine whether you have grounds to pursue a change. We regularly assist clients with modification matters and can help you understand what to expect from the process.
Let’s Discuss Your Custody Case
Whatever your custody situation, Jewitte Dooley Law is here to help you find a resolution. Get in touch today to arrange a time to tell us your story and learn more about starting with us.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with our child custody attorneys in Lexington and across the Midlands. We serve clients across Aiken, Saluda, Kershaw, Richland, Fairfield, and Newberry.
