The Effect of Joint-Child-Custody Legislation on the Child-Support Receipt of Single Mothers |
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| Authors: | Brandeanna D Allen John M Nunley Alan Seals |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Economics and Finance, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University, 1500 Greenland Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA;(2) Department of Economics, College of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA;(3) Department of Economics and Finance, Meinders School of Business, Oklahoma City University, 2501 North Blackwelder Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, USA |
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| Abstract: | Due to the preponderance of single mothers on public assistance, delinquent child support has been a contentious political
issue in the U.S. We examine whether joint-child-custody reform affects the child-support receipt of single mothers. We use
variation in the timing of joint-custody reforms across states to identify the effect of joint custody on the child-support
receipt of single mothers. Joint-custody enactment raises the probability of receiving child support for all single mothers
by 8%. The effect on all single mothers is driven by the effect on divorced mothers, as separated and never-married mothers
are unaffected by joint-custody reform. We conclude joint-custody reform confers the most benefit on divorced mothers and
their children, particularly those who do not receive public assistance. |
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