Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- A Midlands father says he wants to be more of a parent, not just a paycheck.
Joe Carter is leading the fight to change child custody laws in South Carolina so divorced or separated parents can maximize the time they spend with their children.
"Not nearly enough," said Carter of how often he sees his children.
For him the time spent with his three children isn't just measured by the hands on a clock it's about being there, shaping them and watching them grow.
But when he and his wife of ten years divorced he found out he would have to fight to be there for his daughter and two sons like he wanted.
"The current system makes one parent a winner and one parent a loser," said Carter.
So he took his battle for time to the state house, creating an organization, the South Carolina Coalition 4 Parents and Children, and working to move legislation through the general assembly.
Visit the South Carolina Coalition 4 Parents and Children online.
"I knew a little bit about the political process and I feel like our bill can actually bring hope to fathers that feel like they have no way of fighting and don't know how to fight," said Carter.
During court proceedings, the joint custody bill would require each parent to submit a parenting plan, outlining their preferences for time spent with children and major decision like education, healthcare, extracurricular activities and religious training.
It would also force the court to consider joint custody if one parent asks for it and make the court offer its finding of facts explaining why joint custody was or was not granted.
"What we're trying to do is make the parents work together in order to do what's in the best interest of the child," said Carter.
He hopes the bill will encourage families to give marriage a second thought before deciding to divorce and if they do to cooperate for their children and the extended family members who love them as well.
"The children need both a mother and a father and a loving home, and in cases of divorce nothing changes with they still need now two loving homes and a mother and a father and so we've got to make sure that the children are getting and having what they need," said Carter.
The joint custody bill has already passed in the House it now moves to the Senate for consideration.