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The need for child support is beyond evident with the alarmingly high rate of divorce in the United States and the related number of children in single-parent homes. Without child support laws, many single-parent families would be hard-pressed to receive the necessary support to supply their children with their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and education. Nearly half of all children grow up in a single-parent home, usually one of low income.
Children with one uninvolved or absent parent have a tendency to have an increased incidence of behavioral and emotional problems compared to those who are raised in families with two parents. The majority of American children live in poverty, and most of these children are living in single-parent households. Child support laws are increasingly being enforced to ensure the well being of children and families across the country.
The enforcement of child support laws through child support programs has been shown to keep families together. Higher child support awards have led to lower divorce rates. Instead of using divorce or separation as a quick escape from marital problems, parents are now being forced to consider the full ramifications before choosing these methods. Child support laws and increased enforcement of them has led to more participating parents. Fathers who pay child support are more likely to remain involved in their child's lives. Enforcement of child support laws and payments also decreases conflicts between parents.
Child support laws have other positive effects on children as well. Numbers show that kids who receive child support have fewer behavioral problems and less difficulty in school. State programs also save the individual states taxpayer money because families become less reliant on food stamps and Medicaid. Additional monies are potentially saved from future costs of juvenile and criminal court processing, special education resources and mental health services.
Each state's child support laws differ in one way or another. Divorced or separated parents will be subject to the particular state's laws depending on location of the child receiving support. Contact your state office to find more information on you and your child's rights to collect child support and the child support laws that can help you.
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Issues Regarding Child Custody
Child custody rights may be shared by both parents or, primary child custody rights may be awarded to one parent or legal guardian. Since the 1970s the family court will award child custody rights contingent with the best interests of the child.
Child custody for fathers following a divorce is one of the most important aspects of a dissolving marriage. Throughout history the legal presumptions about child custody for fathers has changed significantly. Before the twentieth century children were regarded as the property of their father. Under common law, child custody for fathers was commonly awarded, as children were considered a father's rightful property. A major shift occurred after this period in history, as family courts came to favor mothers in child custody cases. It was presumed that under normal circumstances, children did better when placed in the sole custody of their mothers.