Illogical Child Support Rules? An In-Depth Interview with Jay Bhattacharya and Martin Kulldorff

Today, we’re taking a look at an eye-opening article in the Federalist written by Jay Bhattacharya and Martin Kulldorff: “How Illogical Child Support Rules Can Force Kids Into Poverty.” They are here with us today to talk about their article and the research they have done.

In this alarming piece, Bhattacharya and Kulldorff explain how mathematically flawed child support guidelines can create an unbearable financial burden for parents, ultimately pushing kids into poverty and away from the loving relationship of both their mother and father.

Bhattacharya and Kulldorff begin by pointing out that too often, states are setting child support amounts that are simply impossible to pay. When parents are unable to comply with their child support orders, they often go underground and try to avoid responsibility by taking low-wage jobs that don’t show up on the books. This situation is especially damaging to African American men and their families who already face higher levels of poverty.

Middle-class parents are not immune either; these illogical child support rules can also force them to deplete their savings, retirement funds and college savings. But the issue isn’t that child support payments are too low or too high; instead, it’s that they don’t account for other factors such as parenting time and half-siblings.

The article goes on to explain that the current system was set up by family court lawyers who don’t have a background in mathematics. However, Bhattacharya and Kulldorff do propose a new formula that uses “simple mathematical formulas to reform their state’s child support guidelines.” This can ultimately help children of divorce receive the proper support they need and also maintain a loving relationship with both parents.

To learn more about this issue, check out the full article in the Federalist! It’s essential to recognize how flawed child support guidelines can have devastating effects on children of divorce and take action to ensure that all children receive what is due to them. With a little effort and the right information, we can do our part in making a difference.

Read the article: https://thefederalist.com/2022/12/02/how-illogical-child-support-rules-can-force-kids-into-poverty/