South Carolina Department of Social Services v. Brown

Gregory, Justice:

This is a paternity action initiated by appellant South Carolina Department of Social Services [D. S. S.] against respondent William Brown. The family court found that D.S. S. failed to establish paternity. We hold the family court erred by considering irrelevant evidence and reverse.

D. S. S. brought this action in its capacity as assignee of any suport payments due the minor child who is alleged to be the offspring of respondent.

*569Emma Mae Cooper, the child’s mother, testified at the hearing that respondent was the father of the child, Joseph. Ms. Cooper testified that she had…