Lingering concerns about child custody and support

Abstract

Since the 1970s, separation and divorce rates have increased in most Western countries, reflecting broad societal changes such as growing secularisation and individualism, changing labour markets and migration patterns, new ideas about entitlements and obligations, and widespread legal reforms. Despite these changes, most people agree that children in the ‘post-divorce family’ deserve adequate living standards and the continued love and support of both parents (Beck- Gernsheim, 2002). In addition, supporting one’s children is required by national laws and international agreements such as the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (Baker, 2006).