Charleston County Department of Social Services v. Father

Moore, Justice:

Appellant Charleston County Department of Social Services (DSS) commenced this action to remove two minor children from respondent’s (Mother’s) custody. Removal was granted. This appeal is from an order of a successor family court judge granting Mother a new trial under Rule 63, SCRCP.1 We reverse.

FACTS

Appellant (Father) and Mother divorced in December 1990 and custody of their two sons, aged five and two years, was given to Mother. Father married Stepmother in July 1991.

*285In October 1991, DSS filed an action seeking removal of the boys alleging Mother took baths with the…