Only separated parents can understand the pressures of raising a child in the circumstances of separation. In the economy of inflation, it is particularly difficult to raise a child for a single parent. But, if a non-custodial parent pays the child support payments on time, it relieves significant burden on a single custodial parent. However, there are always two sides to a coin. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of child support laws. Let us talk about the positive side first:
The Positive Side
- If the non-custodial parent makes the entire child support payments on time, the resident parent is relieved of a lot of stress. He/ she can raise the child in a better way without worrying much for the expenses. Researches have shown that child support brings down child poverty and gives a boost to parental responsibilities. It also improves the outcomes of the education of the child.
- If the separated parents are under the “shared care” operation, there is a positive impact on the child. He/ she can meet both the parents frequently. The mental well being of the child is significantly developed if he/she is allowed to be in touch with both parents.
- Sharing care also allows the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child at their own home. It means that the payable amount of child support is divided by two. It is brought down by one-seventh of the total amount for each night spent by the child at the non-custodial parent.
Again, this is also a win-win situation for the parents as well as the child. The payer benefits from paying less, the resident parent is relieved from the monotony of child rearing and the child benefits mentally and physically from spending time at the non-resident parent’s place.
The Negative Side
Many advocacy groups for fathers’ rights have condemned the policies and guidelines that determine child support payment. Feminist groups which advocate gender equality also criticize these policies.
- There are many cases in which the non-custodial parent is genuinely not earning well, but the other spouse forces him/her to pay the amount of child support in order to exploit him mentally.
- Many instances of unwed fathers are there, where they have no say in getting a child aborted. Under the law, only a mother can decide whether she is mentally, physically or financially fit to raise the child. If she is doubtful about her capabilities, she can seek permissions to get the child aborted. But, the same is not true with the father. The unwed father has to bear the expenses of the child even if he is mentally and financially not prepared.
He can only be relieved of his responsibility if the mother chooses to go for abortion or give up the new born baby for adoption. This is absolutely unfair to the father to depend on the choice of his partner.
- There are also instances of such cases where men are raped and are forced to pay for child support later. The women, who rape men, take unfair advantage of child support laws. Raped men become the victims in the hands of such women as well as the rigid laws of the state.