Bill > H3622

This bill amends South Carolina law regarding guardians ad litem (GALs) in private custody or visitation cases by clarifying the qualifications and appointment process for both attorney and lay guardians ad litem. The bill specifies that GALs must be at least 25 years old and have a high school diploma, with attorney GALs required to complete six hours of family law continuing legal education annually, which can be waived by the court. For lay GALs, who can only be appointed when both parties are unrepresented, additional requirements include completing initial training courses in custody, visitation, and family court procedures, observing three contested custody hearings, and completing six hours of annual continuing education. The bill also prohibits individuals from serving as GALs if they have been convicted of certain criminal offenses or are listed on the Department of Social Services Central Registry of Abuse and Neglect. Upon appointment, GALs must provide an affidavit confirming their compliance with these qualifications, and the court may appoint an attorney for a lay GAL if necessary. The primary goal of these provisions is to ensure that guardians ad litem are qualified, trained, and capable of effectively representing the best interests of children in custody and visitation cases.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3622&session=126&summary=B