Custodial Fathers: Myths, Realities, and Child Support Policy
Daniel R. Meyer; Steven Garasky
Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 55, No. 1. (Feb., 1993), pp. 73-89.
Stable URL:
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-2445(199302)55:1<73:CFMRAC>2.0.CO;2-M
Daniel R. Meyer; Steven Garasky
Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 55, No. 1. (Feb., 1993), pp. 73-89.
Stable URL:
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-2445(199302)55:1<73:CFMRAC>2.0.CO;2-M
In Wisconsin, fewer than 20% of the mothers
paid child support, compared to more than 60%
of the fathers, and the amounts paid by mothers
were substantially lower. These amounts paid by
mothers in Wisconsin, however, are much higher
than the amounts paid by mothers in the national
sample, in which less than 5% of noncustodial
mothers are paying child support.
In summary, very few custodial fathers receive
child support. The Wisconsin data suggest, however,
that this is primarily because of a lack of
awards, as about 70% of these fathers do not have
awards. Even when there is an award, about half
of noncustodial mothers pay nothing, although
about one fourth pay the full amount due.