Child support and parental conflict in low-income families

Child support collection policies have become more stringent over time, but the effects of child support payment on parental relationships are poorly understood. This study, utilizing State of Wisconsin administrative and survey data, examines the role of child support in father contact and parental conflict. Findings indicate that child support is associated with a greater likelihood of contact between biological parents. Child support receipt, however, is also associated with higher likelihoods of parental conflict in some cases.