INCOME GROWTH AMONG NONRESIDENT FATHERS - EVIDENCE FROM WISCONSIN

This study examines the changes over time in the personal incomes of n onresident fathers-whether divorced or nonmarital-in Wisconsin. Using data from the Wisconsin Court Record data base and the Wisconsin Depar tment of Revenue, the authors examine the incomes of these fathers ove r the first seven years following a divorce or the initiation of a pat ernity suit. They also study separately the income patterns of initial ly poor nonresident fathers and fathers whose nonresident children rec eive welfare. The most important finding is that the incomes of nonmar ital fathers, which typically are low in the beginning, increase drama tically over the years after paternity establishment-often to a level comparable with the incomes of divorced fathers. On the basis of their findings, the authors conclude that failing to establish child suppor t obligations for nonresident fathers simply because their incomes are initially low does not appear justified.