ABSTRACT
Laws that affect single parents are focused on the continuing relationship of parent and child following the dissolution of marriage; increasingly the same laws are being applied to never-married parents. Although most laws affecting family relationships are state statutes, communication among states and accumulated case law have resulted in similarities in family laws across state jurisdictions. Drawing on social scientists, legal commentators, and appellate opinions, the status of laws and experiences of parents in the areas of child custody, child support, tax law, and court involvement in welfare reform are reviewed. A pervasive theme throughout is gender discrimination, a problem that exists more in the legal environment than in law. It is suggested that if the best interests of children are to be served, it will be necessary to resolve conflicting feelings and beliefs, set aside myths and stereotypes, and promote the development of competence and equality for parents.
