South Carolina Lawmakers Introduce Equal Parenting Bill
South Carolina Lawmakers Introduce Equal Parenting Bill
- posted: Feb. 04, 2026
- Family Law
In South Carolina and elsewhere, lawmakers, child development experts and others have debated the best way to approach custody issues. Traditionally, courts have had free rein to make decisions based on the “best interests of the child” standard. However, some people believe that additional structure is needed to ensure that both parents play an important role in the lives of their sons and daughters.
Now, some South Carolina lawmakers have proposed a new default standard based on the principle that each parent should spend an equal amount of time with the children they share. Supporters of this measure say that the current system often makes noncustodial parents into outsiders. They say that establishing a 50/50 framework does not prevent judges from making different decisions when they feel it is appropriate, but guarantees that each parent’s rights will at least be considered.
Opponents of equal parenting laws claim that children’s interests might be overlooked by judges who feel bound to split parenting time evenly. They say this could lead to situations where child custody orders put youths in unfavorable, or even dangerous, situations.
There might also be practical consequences if 50/50 arrangements become the norm. Spending a roughly equal amount of time in each home might not be much of a problem if parents live near each other, but as the distance gets greater, proximity to school and extracurricular activities could become an issue. Greater attention might need to be paid to transportation between homes and scheduling “handoffs.”
Regardless of whether the law changes or not, parents of minor children are well advised to seek compromise on child custody and visitation terms. Even in circumstances where both parents are willing and capable, dividing parenting time down the middle might not be the best possible solution. However, there are many creative ways to foster frequent, meaningful contact with a noncustodial parent.
McManaway Law, LLC in Greenville works closely with Upstate South Carolina mothers and fathers in order to establish child custody arrangements that benefit everyone involved. To make an appointment to discuss your circumstances and priorities, please call 864-428-8912 or contact me online.
South Carolina Lawmakers Introduce Equal Parenting Bill
- posted: Feb. 04, 2026
- Family Law
In South Carolina and elsewhere, lawmakers, child development experts and others have debated the best way to approach custody issues. Traditionally, courts have had free rein to make decisions based on the “best interests of the child” standard. However, some people believe that additional structure is needed to ensure that both parents play an important role in the lives of their sons and daughters.
Now, some South Carolina lawmakers have proposed a new default standard based on the principle that each parent should spend an equal amount of time with the children they share. Supporters of this measure say that the current system often makes noncustodial parents into outsiders. They say that establishing a 50/50 framework does not prevent judges from making different decisions when they feel it is appropriate, but guarantees that each parent’s rights will at least be considered.
Opponents of equal parenting laws claim that children’s interests might be overlooked by judges who feel bound to split parenting time evenly. They say this could lead to situations where child custody orders put youths in unfavorable, or even dangerous, situations.
There might also be practical consequences if 50/50 arrangements become the norm. Spending a roughly equal amount of time in each home might not be much of a problem if parents live near each other, but as the distance gets greater, proximity to school and extracurricular activities could become an issue. Greater attention might need to be paid to transportation between homes and scheduling “handoffs.”
Regardless of whether the law changes or not, parents of minor children are well advised to seek compromise on child custody and visitation terms. Even in circumstances where both parents are willing and capable, dividing parenting time down the middle might not be the best possible solution. However, there are many creative ways to foster frequent, meaningful contact with a noncustodial parent.
McManaway Law, LLC in Greenville works closely with Upstate South Carolina mothers and fathers in order to establish child custody arrangements that benefit everyone involved. To make an appointment to discuss your circumstances and priorities, please call 864-428-8912 or contact me online.
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