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H4651 • 2026
Child Custody
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Child Custody
Introduced and read first time ( House Journal-page 46 )
Referred to Committee on Judiciary ( House Journal-page 46 )
Prefiled
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
Child Custody
2025-2026 Bill 4651: Child Custody - South Carolina Legislature Online South Carolina General Assembly 126th Session, 2025-2026 Download This Bill in Microsoft Word Format Indicates Matter Stricken Indicates New Matter H. 4651 STATUS INFORMATION General Bill Sponsors: Reps. Edgerton and Magnuson Document Path: LC-0353VR26.docx Introduced in the House on January 13, 2026 Currently residing in the House Committee on Judiciary Summary: Child Custody HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS Date Body Action Description with journal page number 12/16/2025 House Prefiled 12/16/2025 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary 1/13/2026 House Introduced and read first time ( House Journal-page 46 ) 1/13/2026 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary ( House Journal-page 46 ) View the latest legislative information at the website VERSIONS OF THIS BILL 12/17/2025 A bill TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 63-15-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN FEES AND COSTS IN ACTIONS INVOLVING PARENTAL ALIENATION, WITH EXCEPTIONS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. B e it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina: S ECTION 1. A rticle 1, Chapter 15, Title 63 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding: S ection 63-15-115 . ( A) In an action affecting the parent-child relationship, if the court finds that a party has engaged in behavior constituting parental alienation, the court shall order that the targeted parent be reimbursed by the offending party for: ( 1) all reasonable and necessary attorney's fees incurred by the targeted parent as a direct result of litigating the issue of alienating behavior; ( 2) all costs associated with supervised visitation, reunification therapy, parenting facilitation, counseling, or any other professional services ordered by the court to address or remedy the harm caused by the alienating behavior; and ( 3) all fees charged by court-appointed professionals, including custody evaluators, parenting coordinators, guardians ad litem, or other experts necessitated by the alienating conduct. ( B) The court may not waive reimbursement of such fees and costs unless it finds by clear and convincing evidence that reimbursement would result in an undue financial hardship on the offending party and that such hardship substantially outweighs the need for accountability in the best interest of the child. ( C) An order issued under this section is in addition to, and does not limit, any other remedies or sanctions available pursuant to law, including modification of custody, visitation, or parental responsibilities based on the best interest of the child. S ECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. ----XX---- This web page was last updated on January 13, 2026 at 2:38 PM