South Carolina Adoption Laws

Code Section; Uniform Act
20-7-1646 to 1890; No

Who May be Adopted
Any child present in state; any adult

Age that Child’s Consent Needed
14 years and older

Who may Adopt
Any South Carolina resident may petition court to adopt child. Nonresidents may apply in exceptional circumstances. Any adult person may adopt any other adult person.

Adoptive Home Residency Prior to Decree
90 days

State Agency/COurt
State Dept. of Social Services/Family

Statute of Limitation to Challenge
Relief may be granted after duty of decree only for extrinsic fraud