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Joint Child Custody and Interstate Migration

Author

Listed:
  • Abi Adams

    (Northwestern University)

  • Oguz Bayraktar

    (Department of Economics, University of Bath)

  • Thomas H. Jørgensen

    (Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen)

  • Hamish Low

    (Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago)

  • Alessandra Voena

    (Stanford University)

Abstract

Joint custody following divorce is widespread, but implementation is costly when individuals live in different states and so affects interstate mobility. Migration of separated fathers has fallen significantly more than married fathers. We show the causal effect of joint custody using two strategies. First, we survey separated parents to elicit beliefs about the likelihood of interstate moves. Second, we use the staggered adoption of joint custody laws across US states, and show a reduction in actual migration of 11 percentage points for fathers. For mothers, there is no impact on mobility but suggestive evidence of beneficial labor market outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Abi Adams & Oguz Bayraktar & Thomas H. Jørgensen & Hamish Low & Alessandra Voena, 2025. "Joint Child Custody and Interstate Migration," CEBI working paper series 25-16, University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics. The Center for Economic Behavior and Inequality (CEBI).
    • Handle: RePEc:kud:kucebi:2516
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    File URL: https://www.econ.ku.dk/cebi/publikationer/working-papers/CEBI_WP_16-25.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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