Noncustodial Mothers and Child Support: Examining the Larger Context

Abstract

This study examines the differences in treatment of noncustodial mothers and noncustodial fathers by courts at the time of divorce. Data were collected from 1,043 randomly selected court cases concerning 1986 divorces with minor children. If the single variable of child support is considered, it would appear that noncustodial mothers have an economic advantage over noncustodial fathers. Further examination of the family and cultural contexts reveals that noncustodial mothers are in more economic danger than noncustodial fathers, even before the transfer of child support. Policy implications are discussed.