COLUMBIA, S.C. — A renewed push at the State House aims to rewrite how South Carolina courts handle child custody, setting up a debate over whether the proposal would create fairness or limit judicial discretion.

Supporters want to establish a new default standard that gives parents equal time with their children in custody cases. They argue the current system puts the non-custodial parent, or the parent that isn't the pirmary physical caregiver, at a disadvantage and forced some capable parents to miss out on time with their child.

"Unfortunately, what ends up happening is a really good parent who is able, willing and fit, doesn't have any issues, loves their children ... can't be a part of that because they're separated from their spouse or the other parent,” said Rep. Gil Gatch, R-Dor

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