Guardians ad litem in South Carolina must submit clear written reports to the court without recommending custody decisions.

The bill amends South Carolina's code to modify the responsibilities of guardians ad litem in private custody and visitation actions. It prohibits guardians ad litem from making recommendations on custody issues in their reports unless specifically requested by the court. The reports must be comprehensive, including names, addresses, and contact information of those interviewed. The final written report must be submitted to the court and all parties no later than twenty days before the merits hearing, with a ten-day requirement that can only be waived by mutual consent.

Guardians ad litem in South Carolina must submit clear written reports to the court without recommending custody decisions.

The bill amends South Carolina's code to modify the responsibilities of guardians ad litem in private custody and visitation actions. It prohibits guardians ad litem from making recommendations on custody issues in their reports unless specifically requested by the court. The reports must be comprehensive, including names, addresses, and contact information of those interviewed. The final written report must be submitted to the court and all parties no later than twenty days before the merits hearing, with a ten-day requirement that can only be waived by mutual consent.