S.C. Code Ann. § 20-7-1770 – Effect of final decree

(A) After the final decree of adoption is entered, the relationship of parent and child and all the rights, duties, and other legal consequences of the natural relationship of parent and child exist between the adoptee, the adoptive parent, and the kindred of the adoptive parent.
(B) After a final decree of adoption is entered, the biological parents of the adoptee are relieved of all parental responsibilities and have no rights over the adoptee.
(C) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this section, the adoption of a child by an adoptive parent does not in any way change the legal relationship between the child and either biological parent of the child whose parental responsibilities and rights are not expressly affected by the final decree.
(D) The validity of the final decree of adoption is not affected by an agreement entered into before the adoption between adoptive parents and biological parents concerning visitation, exchange of information, or other interaction between the child and any other person. Such an agreement does not preserve any parental rights with the biological parents and does not give to them any rights enforceable in the courts of this State.
SECTION 20-7-1720 did not apply to a purported consent to adoption signed by the natural father, who, in reserving the right of visitation, did not agree to relinquish all rights to the child within the meaning of SECTION 20-7-1770(b). McLaughlin v. Strickland (S.C.App. 1983) 279 S.C. 513, 309 S.E.2d 787.
2. Parent
Insurance agent did not, by means of adult adoption, legally qualify as "parent" of designated producer, for purposes of reinsurance facility statute allowing a designated producer to transfer his or her designated producer status to a parent; although adult adoption rendered agent a parent for purposes of intestate succession, he did not assume "all the rights, duties and other legal consequences" connected with the natural relationship of parent and child. Gorman v. South Carolina Reinsurance Facility (S.C.App. 1999) 333 S.C. 696, 511 S.E.2d 98, rehearing denied, certiorari granted. Insurance 1625