SC H3622

Requires guardians ad litem in private custody or visitation cases to be licensed attorneys in good standing in South Carolina, with six hours of annual continuing legal education in custody and visitation

Allows lay (non-attorney) guardians ad litem only when both parties in the case are unrepresented by counsel

Lay guardians ad litem must be at least 25 years old, have a high school diploma, complete 12 hours of initial continuing education (9 hours in custody/visitation, 3 hours in family court law and procedure), and observe three contested custody hearings before serving

Prohibits appointment of guardians ad litem who have been convicted of crimes against persons, morality/decency offenses, domestic violence, drug offenses, or contributing to delinquency of a minor

Requires guardians ad litem to submit an affidavit upon appointment confirming they meet all statutory qualifications and are not on the DSS Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect