summary
Introduced
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws So As To Enact The "equal Parenting Act"; By Amending Sections 63-3-810, 63-3-820, 63-3-830, 63-3-850, And 63-3-870, All Relating To Guardians Ad Litem Appointed In Private Family Court Actions, So As To Provide Certain Protections Against Guardian Ad Litem Bias Or Other Misconduct, To Clarify That Equal Parenting Time For Both Parents Is Presumed To Be In A Child's Best Interest, And To Address The Apportionment Of Fees And Costs; By Amending Sections 63-15-210, 63-15-220, 63-15-230, And 63-15-240, All Relating To Child Custody Hearings, So As To Provide That Equal Parenting Time Is Presumed To Be In A Child's Best Interest In Child Custody Actions, That Parental Interference With The Parenting Time Of The Other Parent Is Grounds For Modification Of A Child Custody Order, And For Other Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Equal Parenting Act," aims to promote shared parenting responsibilities and protect children's best interests in South Carolina family court cases. Key provisions include establishing a presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time for both parents is in a child's best interest, which can only be overcome with evidence proving otherwise. The bill also introduces measures to ensure guardians ad litem, who are appointed by the court to represent a child's interests, are unbiased and qualified, requiring background checks and drug testing for appointees and allowing parties to challenge their appointment due to misconduct. Furthermore, it clarifies how fees and costs for guardians ad litem are handled, allowing for apportionment based on parental financial situations, and designates parental interference with the other parent's designated parenting time as grounds for modifying custody orders.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 02/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0901&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/901_20260210.htm |
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