South Carolina Adoption Laws

Adoption Laws in South Carolina

Adoption Records Access

• Non-Identifying Information : To obtain non identifying information, a person must complete 18 years of age or over

• Identifying Information : To receive the information on birth parents, an adopted adult must be of age 21 years or older.

• Adoption Registry: An adopted adults, birth siblings and birth parents may use the adoption registry through the State or agency.

• Contact :
  
  South Carolina Department of Social Services
  Adoption Reunion Registry
  PO Box 1520
  Columbia, SC 29202-1520
  (803) 734-6095
  (800) 922-2504

• Birth Certificate (Original): To obtain certificate, an adoptee must requests the court in which the adoption was finalized.

Consents

• Consent to an adoption shall be done by:
  Statute: - § 20-7-1690
  • Parents
  • An authorized child placing agency
  • A legal guardian
  • A legal custodian

• Age Requirement for consideration of Adoptee Consent :
  Statute: - § 20-7-1690
  An individual of 14 years of age or older must consent to the adoption if child is mentally in well condition.

• When Consent is not required :
  Statute: - § 20-7-1695
  • On termination of parental rights
  • If parents are mentally incapable.

• Parental Consent can be executed :
  Statute: - § 20-7-1700
  • Consent can be executed at any time, after the birth of child.
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