Child Support When Domestic Violence is Involved

Child support during a divorce can be complicated – add in allegations of domestic violence and the complications increase. Did you know that Hopeful Horizons has a legal team that can help victims/survivors with civil court issues like child support?

Hopeful Horizon’s Legal Services Director, Attorney Kimberly Ann McFann, and Legal Team members recently attended a Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Continuing Legal Education Program at the Colleton County Courthouse to learn more about child support cases.

Paul LeBarron, Esquire, of the South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Support Division, helped attendees learn about and understand the intricacies of child support rules and procedures in South Carolina, and Family Court Judges Douglas L. Novak and Gerald C. Smoak, Jr. shared tips from the bench and conducted a question-and-answer session with attendees about Fourteenth Judicial Circuit issues.

From TANF to PACSS to SDU, the alphabet soup of child support is understood by our legal team and they stand ready to help you through the process. They can help you navigate the details and make decisions that are best for you and your children.

At the same time, Hopeful Horizons’ therapists and counselors can help you and your children heal from the trauma of domestic violence.

According to the National Council of State Legislatures and The Child and Family Research Partnership at the University of Texas, 43 percent of mothers who did not have a formal child support order, and who were not receiving any formal or informal child support, reported experiencing domestic violence by the child’s father. The high rates of domestic violence among mothers who are not receiving child support, highlights the likelihood they are forgoing this needed support due to fears of increased violence associated with pursuing child support.

Call Hopeful Horizons’ Support Line at 843-770-1070. We’re here 24/7 to help.