The bill H. 4540 aims to amend several sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning child custody and parenting time. It clarifies that the family court may only award sole custody or joint custody, eliminating any presumption for or against either type. Additionally, every child custody order must address parenting time, ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritized. The bill specifies that at temporary hearings, parents must submit a parenting plan detailing their preferences and the allocation of parenting time, which the court will consider when issuing custody orders.

Key amendments include the definition of joint and sole custody, the requirement for parenting plans at contested hearings, and the stipulation that the court must make custody determinations based on the child's best interests without needing to find exceptional circumstances. The bill also mandates that every custody order must include a schedule for parenting time and outline how major decisions regarding the child will be made. This legislation is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
05/08/2025: 63-3-530
Latest Version: 63-3-530