Child Custody By The Numbers: Stats Every Parent Should Know

The end of a marriage or relationship is never easy, especially when children are involved. For parents facing a divorce or separation, the process of determining child custody can be one of the most emotionally challenging and legally complicated aspects of the split. Heated debates over living arrangements, parenting time, decision-making authority, and support payments can make an already difficult situation feel overwhelming and isolating.

In the midst of this emotional whirlwind, it’s easy to lose perspective. You may feel like you’re the only one going through this rocky time. But the reality is, you are far from alone. Millions of American families are grappling with custody matters each year.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, over one-quarter of all children under 21 have a parent living outside their household.[1] That’s nearly 22 million kids growing up in divided families. For the parents of these children – some 12.9 million custodial mothers and fathers across the country – the day-to-day realities of managing custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and support payments have become a fact of life.

While these numbers can feel overwhelming, they also offer a stark reminder: if you’re facing a custody battle, you’re in good company. Understanding the broader context of child custody in America – backed up by hard data and expert analysis – can provide some much-needed insight and perspective as you work through this challenging process.

With that in mind, let’s take a deep dive into the latest national statistics on child custody and support from the U.S. Census Bureau’s comprehensive 2018 report.[1] We’ll paint a detailed picture of the custodial parent population, explore the financial and logistical challenges many families are facing, and highlight some of the most striking trends and disparities in the data.

A Portrait Of Custodial Parents

As of 2018, there were 12.9 million custodial parents across the United States living with and caring for 21.9 million children under 21 years old.[1] To put that in perspective, more than 1 in 4 American kids (26.5%) have a parent who lives outside their household.[1]

Some key characteristics of these custodial parents:[1]

• Nearly 80% are mothers, while fathers make up about 20%. Though moms are still more likely to have custody, the share of custodial dads has been steadily rising, up from just 16% in 1994.
• Around 40% of custodial moms have never been married, compared to about 29% of custodial dads. Divorce is more common among custodial fathers (39%) than mothers (30%).
• Over half of custodial dads (55%) are 40 or older, versus about 42% of custodial moms. Dads with custody tend to be a bit older than moms on average.
• 51% of custodial mothers and 74% of custodial fathers work full-time. Family courts consider economic stability a key factor in custody decisions.

So, while the “typical” custodial parent is still a divorced or never-married mother under 40, custodial fathers are increasingly common – and courts are paying more attention to factors like job stability.

The Challenges Of Getting Child Support

Another key issue for custodial parents is child support. As of 2018, about half had legal or informal support agreements in place with the other parent.[1] But getting those payments in full and on time is a major struggle for many families.

In 2017, the Census Bureau reported:[1]

• Less than half (46%) of custodial parents who were owed child support received the full amount.
• Custodial parents were owed a total of $30 billion in support that year but only received about 62% of it.
• The average annual child support payment received was $3,431 – down significantly from a peak of $4,675 in 2003.[2]
• There wasn’t a significant difference between moms (46%) and dads (43%) in terms of receiving full payments.
• However, custodial fathers (38%) were more likely than mothers (29%) to receive no support at all.

These numbers paint a sobering picture of the economic realities many custodial parents face. Inconsistent or partial child support payments can make it extremely difficult to make ends meet.

Poverty, Assistance & Racial Disparities

Sadly, the Census data shows that child custody issues and economic hardship often go hand-in-hand – hitting some communities harder than others.[1]

Around 30% of children living with a custodial parent are below the federal poverty line – that’s over 6.5 million kids. The poverty rate for custodial-parent families (24%) is 10 points higher than the rate for families with two parents (14%).

Custodial moms (45%) are more likely than dads (26%) to be on at least one form of public assistance, like food stamps or Medicaid. Child support can help fill in the gaps, but it’s clear many single-parent families are struggling financially.

The data also highlights some stark racial disparities in child custody rates:

• Almost half (49%) of Black children live with a custodial parent.
• That’s compared to 29% of Hispanic kids, 23% of white kids, and just 14% of Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American and Alaska Native youth.

These numbers suggest Black and Hispanic families are bearing the brunt of the negative impacts of divorce, separation, and single parenthood.

Conclusion

In the challenging journey of child custody, understanding the bigger picture can offer clarity and comfort. You’re not alone—millions of parents face similar struggles and resources are available to support you. Keep your child’s best interests at the forefront and seek guidance when needed. If you’re navigating custody issues, Modern Family Law is here to help you secure a path forward that works for your family.

Modern Family Law

If you’re facing the complexities of child custody, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. At Modern Family Law, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and your child’s well-being remains the focus. With our experienced, compassionate attorneys by your side, we can help you navigate the legal process and secure an arrangement that works for your family. Reach out to Modern Family Law today for a consultation, and let us support you in building a brighter future for you and your child.