The bill H. 3009 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to improve the enforcement of alimony obligations by granting the Department of Social Services' Division of Child Support Enforcement jurisdiction to enforce these obligations upon referral from the family court. It introduces a new section, 20-3-165, and aligns the definitions and processes for both child support and alimony. The bill also allows for retroactive application of these changes, ensuring that enforcement mechanisms for both types of support are streamlined and strengthened.

Additionally, the bill establishes that unpaid child support or alimony of $1,000 or more creates a lien in favor of the obligee, affecting the obligor's tangible and intangible property. It outlines the notification process for obligors, procedures for filing liens, and the Division's rights to collect unpaid amounts through property levies. The bill mandates that the Department of Social Services receive marriage and death certificates at no charge for enforcement purposes and ensures that fees for services do not exceed actual costs. It also includes a provision for the act's severability and states that it will take effect upon the Governor's approval, with retroactive application for alimony obligations accrued within the last ten years.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 20-3-165, 20-3-130, 63-17-710, 20-1-350
Latest Version: 20-3-165, 20-3-130, 63-17-710, 20-1-350
12/06/2024: 20-3-165, 20-3-130, 63-17-710, 20-1-350