Grandparents And Visitation
S.C. Code 63-3-530 — more than ninety days denied, and clear and convincing evidence
The family court may order visitation for a grandparent of a minor child where either or both parents are deceased, divorced, or living separate and apart, if it finds all of the following:
- The parents or guardians are unreasonably depriving the grandparent of the opportunity to visit, including denying visitation for more than ninety days.
- Grandparent visitation would not interfere with the parent and child relationship.
- By clear and convincing evidence, either the parents or guardians are unfit, or compelling circumstances overcome the presumption that the parents' decision is in the child's best interest.
A grandparent here is the natural or adoptive parent of a natural or adoptive parent of the child, and the judge may award attorney's fees and costs to the side that prevails. Custody by a grandparent is a different question. A particular case is a question for a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- S.C. Code 63-3-530 — Jurisdiction of family court
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.