The bill H. 3100 seeks to amend Section 63-3-830 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the responsibilities of guardians ad litem in private custody and visitation actions. The key change introduced by this bill is the prohibition of guardians ad litem from making recommendations regarding custody in their reports to the court. Specifically, the final written report submitted by the guardian ad litem must not include any recommendations about which party should be awarded custody, nor may the guardian make such recommendations during the merits hearing unless specifically requested by the court.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for the final written report, which must be submitted to the court and all parties at least twenty days prior to the merits hearing, with a provision for a ten-day submission requirement that can only be waived by mutual consent of both parties. The report must include comprehensive details about the child's best interest, the names and contact information of those interviewed, and it allows for cross-examination on the facts and conclusions presented. This legislation aims to clarify the role of guardians ad litem and ensure that their reports focus solely on factual information rather than recommendations.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 63-3-830
Latest Version: 63-3-830
12/06/2024: 63-3-830