Throughout Ohio and the rest of the country, much of the child support that has been ordered remains unpaid. In fact, only about 61 percent of child support ordered of men had been paid to the mothers of their children in 2011. A new study looked at other contributions that these individuals made.
The Journal of Marriage and Family included a study in its June edition about other contributions that fathers make, even if they are not current on their child support. The study researched 367 low-income noncustodial fathers who resided in three different cities. It found that 23 percent of the fathers gave child support through the system. About 46 percent contributed other types of support. Another 28 percent gave money directly to the mother of the children.
The study found that about half of the fathers who were behind on child support contributed in other ways, such as purchasing school supplies, food, clothing and baby products. The average amount of such alternative contributions was about $60 a month. A total of 66 fathers provided such support to the 95 children who were researched in the study. The study authors opined that fathers were more likely to give their children purchased items rather than child support because these acts are more recognized by their children than the payment of child support.
Individuals who are not receiving child support that was ordered may choose to discuss their case with a family law attorney. This professional may be able to discuss the options that are available when the noncustodial parent has a lower income and any enforcement options that may change the situation.