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A study was conducted to investigate the trend in physical custody for children in families where the parents have divorced and the variables linked to the award of custody to the father, mother or both parents. The investigation was based on data from a sample of 4,073 court cases in 21 Wisconsin counties between 1986 and 1992. Results suggest that there has been a small but important increase in fathers and mothers sharing custody of children but no increase in the number of fathers being awarded sole custody of their children.

The impact of joint legal custody on non-resident fathers' relations with children after divorce are investigated using data from the National Survey of Families and Households. In particular, the study evaluated about 160 families for which parents divorced to assess the frequency of visits between fathers and children and child support payments. The findings support the view that joint legal custody might enhance some facets of paternal involvement with children after divorce.

Recent reforms to the family law system and Child Support Scheme reflect and promote a major cultural change in relation to parenting after separation. Introduction of these reforms coincided with, [...]