Lighty v. South Carolina Department of Social Services

I agree with the majority opinion; however, I feel compelled to discuss this case as it relates to our recent opinion in D.S.S. v. Fingerlin, 328 S. E. (2d) 71 (S. C. 1985).

The dissenting opinion cites Fingerlin for the proposition that S. C. Code Ann. § 20-7-420 (1976) deprived the Circuit Court of jurisdiction in domestic matters, and contends this is a domestic matter.

While Fingerlin does hold Section 20-7-420 confers exclusive jurisdiction in domestic matters, it has no effect in the instant case. As the majority notes, the action instituted by Respondent is for a debt, and is purely…