What influences the size of child maintenance payments? A register‐based study of maintenance payments in Finland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how particular economic and demographic factors contribute to the level of the child maintenance payment (CMP) paid by the non‐resident parent. For this study, we used 5‐year longitudinal panel data from years 2009 to 2013 consisting of over 80,000 non‐resident parents from the Finnish Tax Administration and The Finnish Population Register Centre. Results from regression models indicate that the single biggest factor affecting the size of CMPs is the number of dependent children. We found that the non‐resident parent's higher income is associated with higher CMPs and that non‐resident fathers pay on average larger CMPs than non‐resident mothers, even after accounting for differences in income. Unexpectedly, we found that the age of the dependent child did not predict changes in CMPs. This suggests that once formal CMP‐contracts are determined between the parents, they are seldom changed. Our results suggest that some degree of mandatory periodic review for maintenance contracts is worth considering.

The female payer: Gender differences in characteristics among child support payers

“…First, whereas existing studies on paying mothers tend to lack information on the resident father (Rissanen & Aaltonen, 2018), our data painted a reliable and comprehensive picture of income, re-partnering, and new-partner births of all resident parents. Second, the relatively large sample size made it possible to consider less common family structures, which was of particular importance.…”

When Parents Fail: Addressing Delinquent Child Maintenance Through Informal Resources

“…Based on the increasing research on the reasons why parents do not comply with child maintenance agreements (Hakovirta et al, 2020; Patel & Hochfeld, 2011; Rissanen & Aaltonen, 2019), it seems inevitable that there will always be cases of DCM as some of the factors are difficult to control. Therefore, it is essential to explore ways in which DCM can be addressed in order to promote better outcomes for children in single parent families.…”

“…Child maintenance payments ensure that children’s standard of living is secured following parental dissolution (Hakovirta, 2011). Family laws and policies in many countries require that responsibilities to provide support for children lie on parents even if parents are separated, divorced, or never lived together as a couple (Hakovirta et al, 2020; Rissanen & Aaltonen, 2019). In response to this, many countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, United States, Sweden, France, Norway, and Belgium have developed legislation supporting child maintenance policies to ensure that financial contribution toward the well-being of children continues in separated families (Skinner & Davidson, 2009).…”

“…However, when child maintenance is paid regularly, it is likely to help in reducing the financial burden of the resident parent and provide a stable home environment for the child (Choi & Thomas, 2015). Despite the fact that child maintenance payments have an effect on reducing poverty and ensuring the well-being of children (Hakovirta et al, 2020; Rissanen & Aaltonen, 2019), research has identified several factors affecting child maintenance payments. For example, Meyer et al (2015) found that in the United States, nonresident parents with lower incomes have higher likelihood of paying lower maintenance or even defaulting payments.…”

Lapsen elatus, vanhempien toimeentulo ja köyhyys

“…Tämä johtuu osaltaan siitä, että saatu elatusapu on Suomessa tasoltaan selvästi matalampi kuin esimerkiksi Saksassa, Espanjassa, Isossa-Britanniassa tai Yhdysvalloissa ja että Suomessa yksinhuoltajaäitien palkkatulojen osuus on melko korkea (Hakovirta & Jokela 2018). Tasoltaan Suomessa yksinhuoltajaäitien saama ja elatusvelvollisten maksaman elatusavun määrä on rinnastettavissa elatustukeen (Rissanen & Aaltonen 2018;Hakovirta & Jokela 2018).…”