Noncustodial Mothers: Developing Strategies of Support

Abstract

Despite the fact that the number of noncustodial mothers is increasing, very little is known about the experience of these women. This study sought to gain a greater understanding of this growing number of women by examining issues surrounding the decision to relinquish custody and exploring their postdivorce relationships with their former spouses and children. Qualitative and quantitative interview data collected from 13 noncustodial mothers granted divorces in southwestern Virginia between 1986 and 1990 were analyzed. Based on the results of the study, suggestions for intervention are discussed.