Mediation
South Carolina law requires mediation before a custody hearing, although you may file a Motion to Exempt if the opposing party is imprisoned or if your client is too fearful due to the domestic violence history.
Even in cases with a history of domestic violence, the mediation process can sometimes be fruitful. When there are concerns about domestic violence history or risks, take precautions. Mediation can be through video conference or phone, or can be scheduled at the courthouse.
If a mediation agreement is signed, it will be very difficult to renegotiate or alter that memorandum without a substantial change in circumstances (ie, an additional act of violence). If the circumstances do change, you can and should ask the judge not to approve the order because it is no longer in the best interest of the child.
File the Mediation Report before requesting a hearing.
There will be a charge for mediation, but there are low or even no cost mediation centers available in larger cities. Greenville https://upstatemediation.com/civil-mediation/, Columbia https://midlandsmediation.org/,
Other Common Family Court Hearings
Additional temporary hearings – These are usually necessary when there is a significant change before the final hearing, such as another incident of abuse.
Pretrial or Scheduling Hearing – Common in some jurisdictions when either party has requested a long trial. Expect to trade witness lists and discuss any discovery that has yet to be answered.
Rule to Show Cause/Contempt Hearing – Necessary when one party has violated a temporary or final order and the other party contends that the violation was willful.
Motion to Compel Discovery – Necessary when either party is not complying with valid discovery requests.
A general Hearing Request Form is available at https://www.sccourts.org/forms/pdf/SCCA410.pdf