The bill H. 3014 seeks to amend Section 63-17-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically addressing the visitation rights of unmarried fathers. The proposed amendment stipulates that if paternity is acknowledged or adjudicated, the court is required to award visitation rights to the father, unless the court orders otherwise. This change emphasizes the father's entitlement to visitation, provided that paternity has been established, and outlines that the specifics of visitation, including frequency and duration, must be detailed in a court order.

Additionally, the bill allows the mother to contest the visitation order within ten days by filing a motion to reconsider, accompanied by an affidavit asserting that the father is unfit and poses a risk to the child's health, safety, and well-being. This provision aims to balance the father's rights with the mother's concerns regarding the child's welfare. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 63-17-20
Latest Version: 63-17-20
12/06/2024: 63-17-20