Bill > H4647

This bill amends South Carolina law to expand court-ordered visitation rights for great-grandparents of minor children. Under the proposed legislation, courts can now order visitation for great-grandparents in specific circumstances, such as when the child's parents are deceased, divorced, or living separately. To be granted visitation, the great-grandparent must prove either that the parents are unreasonably preventing contact (by denying visitation for more than 90 days) or that the proposed visitation will not interfere with the parent-child relationship. Additionally, the court must find by clear and convincing evidence either that the parents are unfit or that there are compelling circumstances that override the presumption that the parents' decision is in the child's best interest. The bill defines "great-grandparent" as the natural or adoptive grandparent of a natural or adoptive parent of a minor child, and it allows the presiding judge to award attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party. The law will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4647&session=126&summary=B