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TO AMEND SECTION 15-49-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF NAME, SO AS TO ADD FACTORS FOR THE FAMILY COURT TO CONSIDER IN AN ACTION TO CHANGE THE SURNAME OF A MINOR CHILD.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Section 15-49-10 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 344 of 1990, is further amended by adding:
"(C) In an action to change the surname of a minor child the family court in determining the best interests of the child, shall consider factors including, but not limited to the:
(1) length of time the child has used the present surname;
(2) effect of the proposed change on the preservation and development of the child's relationship with each parent;
(3) identification of the child as part of a family unit;
(4) wishes of the parents;
(5) stated reason for the proposed change;
(6) motive of the parents;
(7) the possibility that the use of a different name will cause insecurity or lack of identity;
(8) difficulty, harassment, or embarrassment the child may experience when the child has a surname different from that of the custodial parent;
(9) preference of the child, if the child is of an age and maturity to express a meaningful preference; and
(10) degree of community respect associated with the present and proposed surnames."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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