Who Has Joint Custody? Class Differences in the Determination of Custody Arrangements

Abstract

This article reports the incidence and predictors of joint custody based on a nationally representative sample. Although joint custody has captured much attention, its incidence actually remains low. A logistic regression model shows that those with higher incomes and educational levels, those living in larger cities, and nonwhites are more likely to have joint custody. These class differences suggest that policymakers use caution in establishing systems that strongly mandate or prefer joint custody.