A writer focusing recently on child support-related data discusses some interesting findings in an article that relies largely on data culled from the United States Census Bureau. We pass along some pertinent findings in today’s post for readers to reflect upon.
Consider at the outset post-divorce custodial parents, for instance. Most readers might reasonably view that fathers comprise a clear minority of that demographic, and they would of course be right.
But what percentage of custodial parents are fathers? How many dads are awarded custody of the kids in a marriage following its breakup?
According the Census Bureau, only about 18.3 percent. That leaves moms as the custodial parents in more than eight out of 10 instances across the country.
A writer focusing recently on child support-related data discusses some interesting findings in an article that relies largely on data culled from the United States Census Bureau. We pass along some pertinent findings in today’s post for readers to reflect upon.
Consider at the outset post-divorce custodial parents, for instance. Most readers might reasonably view that fathers comprise a clear minority of that demographic, and they would of course be right.
But what percentage of custodial parents are fathers? How many dads are awarded custody of the kids in a marriage following its breakup?
According the Census Bureau, only about 18.3 percent. That leaves moms as the custodial parents in more than eight out of 10 instances across the country.
And what about child support payments from noncustodial parents to parents who live with the kids? How often are those payments tardy, underpaid or simply not being paid at all? And is there a gender difference when it comes to the rate at which child support obligations are defaulted upon?
Let’s take that last question first, since the others are incorporated by reference and can be answered through focus on the gender-related query.
According to census data, noncustodial female parents do have a harder time making support payments in the aggregate than do their male counterparts, although the difference is really not that stark.
And here’s what is really relevant about that: The males at home with the kids who are entitled to payments and not receiving them are generally in materially better financial circumstances than custodial mothers who aren’t receiving money. And, interestingly, the fathers not receiving support have, on average, an appreciably higher annual income than do dads getting support.
The bottom line with support is this: While it’s true that more noncustodial mothers than fathers don’t fully comply with child support exactions, it’s relatively easy to understand why.
They generally have less money.
