Lighty v. South Carolina Department of Social Services

I respectfully dissent. In this action by respondent Department of Social Services to recover $3,140.46 expended by it for the support of appellant’s child, the family court overruled appellant’s demurrer. I would affirm.

For a period of approximately four years, appellant’s aunt received public assistance from DSS for the support of appellant’s child, who was being cared for by the aunt. In order to receive these benefits, the aunt assigned to DSS her rights to be reimbursed by appellant for the cost of the child’s care. DSS brought this action in family court against appellant to recover the…