Whether you face post-divorce family law challenges involving your kids or you worry about child custody and other legal issues as you approach the divorce process, it is helpful to take a closer look at data on custodial parents. From safeguarding your custody rights to dealing with your child’s other parent, there are many important topics to take into consideration. Above all, it is paramount to focus on safeguarding your child’s well-being and your relationship with them.
In recent years, an increasing number of parents have found themselves in this position.
Reviewing data on custodial parents
The U.S. Census Bureau states that in 2018, roughly 21.9 million kids (26.5% of those under 21) in the U.S. had parents who did not live in their household. While 49.4% of custodial parents had child support agreements in place, only 45.9% received the full amount of support owed in 2017. More fathers have become custodial parents (fathers made up 20.1% of custodial parents in 2018), and 24.1% of custodial parents with kids under 21 lived in poverty in 2017.
Handling disputes and other concerns as a custodial parent
When it comes to children and custodial parents, it is pivotal to keep in mind that every family is in a unique position. If a dispute involving your child’s other parent has come up, make sure you go over all of your options. Take an individualized approach to your situation and try to stay positive as you work through these matters, whether you face child support issues, want to pursue the enforcement of a custody order or find yourself in the middle of a dispute over child custody.
