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Patterns of Child Support Compliance in Wisconsin

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  • D. R. Meyer
  • J. Bartfeld

Abstract

This paper examines five-year compliance patterns among Wisconsin child support cases that came to court in 1986–88. We find only limited support for the common assumption that compliance with child support orders declines over time: the average percent paid is about .65 during each of the first five years. The most predominant trend is an increasing polarization into groups of nonpayers and full payers. Although we find considerable stability from year to year among nonpayers and full payers, there is considerable change over the course of five years. Compliance during the first year provides some indication of long-term compliance, but about half of fathers change their compliance rate over the period. We find important differences between divorced and nonmarital fathers, differences that are more pronounced than are apparent from a single year of data. Policy implications are discussed and further research is suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • D. R. Meyer & J. Bartfeld, "undated". "Patterns of Child Support Compliance in Wisconsin," Institute for Research on Poverty Discussion Papers 1130-97, University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty.
    • Handle: RePEc:wop:wispod:1130-97
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    1. Elizabeth Phillips & Irwin Garfinkel, 1993. "Income growth among nonresident fathers: evidence from Wisconsin," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 30(2), pages 227-241, May.
    2. I. Garfinkel & P. K. Robins, "undated". "The relationship between child support enforcement tools and child support outcomes," Institute for Research on Poverty Discussion Papers 1004-93, University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty.
    3. H. Peters & Laura Argys & Eleanor Maccoby & Robert Mnookin, 1993. "Enforcing divorce settlements: Evidence from child support compliance and award modifications," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 30(4), pages 719-735, November.
    4. J. Bartfeld & D. Meyer, "undated". "Are there really deadbeat dads? The relationship between ability to pay, enforcement, and compliance in nonmarital child support cases," Institute for Research on Poverty Discussion Papers 994-93, University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty.
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