South Carolina South Carolina

Child Visitation Laws

Visitation General Information

What is child visitation?

In the context of a child custody case, visitation is defined as the rights for a non-custodial parent to see their child, or as temporary custody that's been granted for a period of time to an otherwise non-custodial parent or relative.

In general, courts in South Carolina assume that it is beneficial for both biological parents of a child to have shared custody or visitation, unless it is shown to be against the child's best interests. A biological parent who is denied custody may be awarded visitation rights to provide for a relationship between the parent and child.

Visitation by grandparents, family members, or other third-parties is less clear cut in South Carolina, and nationwide. While there are state guidelines regarding third-party visitation in certain situations, these laws are frequently challenged.

Above all else, courts in South Carolina strive to make custody and visitation decisions that are "in the best interests of the child". The court handling each individual visitation case has significant flexibility in determining what arrangement is in the child's best interests. You can read about South Carolina's visitation guildelines on this page.




South Carolina Child Visitation Summary

How are Visitation Rights Granted?

South Carolina law states that a biological parent of a minor child may request visitation rights as part of an open divorce, parentage or custody case or may file a petition for visitation in none of these circumstances apply.

The court will decide a request for visitation based on whether granting a parent visitation would be in the "best interests of the child." What is considered in a child's "best interests" is not outlined in specific factors. However case law states that the child's well being, his or her wishes and factors related to the parents' ability to cooperate are relevant.

A court may grant visitation to a grandparent, if one parent is deceased, or the parents are divorced or separated and visitation is in the best interest of the child.

South Carolina Child Visitation For Grandparents, Relatives, and Third Parties

In the state of South Carolina, there are a number of laws regarding child visitation regarding visitation for third-parties other than the biological parents of the child. While state laws regarding third-party visitation have been frequently been challenged in courts, they are a good indication of South Carolina's positions regarding non-parental visitation rights.


Visitation Rights Of Grandparents In South Carolina:

South Carolina has special statutes regarding the child visitiation rights of grandparents under different circumstances. State law does not provide for general visitation rights of grandparents, but visitation rights may be presumed under certain parental situations.

Grandparents, Visitation In General

✗ NO

Grandparents, After Death Of Parent

✓ YES

Grandparents, After Divorce Of Parent

✓ YES

Grandparents, Parent Never Married

✓ YES

Regardless of state presumptions regarding grandparent's visitation rights under specific circumstances, a South Carolina court may allow or prevent visitation rights in any situation based on the best interests of the child.


Visitation Rights Of Other Parties In South Carolina:

Are step-parents granted visitation rights in the state of South Carolina?

Generally it is an uphill battle for step-parents seeking visitation rights for a step-child, especially if the biological parents of the child are alive and are opposed to the visitation.

Under South Carolina law, legal provisions do exist to grant child visitation rights to step-parents under certain circumstances, so visitation can be readily applied for. In all cases, third-party visitation rights are more likely to be granted by the court if they are deemed to be in the best interests of the child.


Can other interested parties or relatives be granted visitation rights to a child in South Carolina?

Under state of South Carolina law, it may be possible for other individuals to be granted visitation rights by the court. This might include relatives other than the child'a parents, previous caregivers, etc.


Can parents be granted visitation rights after termination of parental rights or adoption in South Carolina?

In the state of South Carolina it may not be possible to be granted visitation rights after losing parental rights or giving up a child for adoption. This is the case with both biological parents and previous guardians.



| State Law Official Text


** This Document Provided By MaritalLaws **
Source: http://www.maritallaws.com/states/south-carolina/visitation