Formal and Informal Shared Parenting Among Divorced and Never‐Married Parents

ABSTRACT Objective This study examines patterns of informal and formal shared parenting—and potential disconnects between the two—comparing divorced and never‐married parents. Background Existing research on shared parenting—where children spend time with both parents—largely focuses on formal shared placement among divorced parents. Less is known about shared placement for never‐married parents, and little research exists for either population examining extended time with children (informal shared parenting). A framework recognizing administrative burden suggests differences may exist, reflecting greater burdens in establishing formal shared placement for never‐married compared with divorced parents. Method Data are drawn from the 1994 to 2020 Child Support Supplements (CSS) to the Current Population Survey (CPS) using a sample of divorced ( n = 15,284) and never‐married ( n = 14,911) custodial mothers. Trends and levels of formal shared placement and informal shared parenting are documented using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regressions. Results Divorced and never‐married parents have similar likelihoods of informal shared parenting; yet divorced parents have twice the likelihood of a formal shared placement agreement. A sizable portion of never‐married parents are spending significant time with their child, but this is unlikely to be formally recognized. Conclusion Formal and informal shared parenting time is increasing for both divorced and never‐married parents. Overlooking measures of informal shared time risks disproportionately underestimating contributions of never‐married noncustodial parents who are more likely to be fathers of color with limited economic resources. Implications As more families share parenting time, differential administrative burdens by marital status in establishing formal shared placement may exacerbate inequalities.