Bill > H3014

This bill amends South Carolina law regarding visitation rights for unmarried fathers by requiring courts to automatically award visitation to a father whose paternity has been either acknowledged or legally determined (adjudicated). Under the new provision, once paternity is established, the court must grant visitation rights, with the specific details of frequency, duration, and conditions to be outlined in a court order. However, the bill includes an important safeguard allowing the mother to file a motion for reconsideration within ten days of the visitation order, provided she submits an affidavit asserting that the father is unfit and potentially poses a risk to the child's health, safety, or well-being. Previously, the law stated that custody of an illegitimate child was solely with the natural mother unless she had relinquished her rights, but this bill expands paternal visitation rights by creating a presumptive right to visitation upon proven paternity. The bill will take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3014&session=126&summary=B