A qualitative study of Maltese families in which fathers default on child maintenance

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the experiences of fathers and mothers coming from families in which fathers default on child maintenance in Malta as well as the perspectives of Maltese legal professionals with experience in the area of child maintenance. In-depth qualitative interviews were carried out with four fathers, six mothers, and four lawyers. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and thematic analysis were used to elicit themes from the interviews with parents and lawyers respectively. This study found that parental narratives marred by complex spousal difficulties and severe distress both before and after separation set the scene for power struggles over issues of money, child custody and access in which children are triangled. At a time when they most need help to co-parent in high-conflict circumstances, parents' difficulties are exacerbated rather than alleviated by their disempowering experiences of support structures and the court system. These findings were largely validated by lawyers. The study suggests that targeting child maintenance compliance is best served by policy strategies that promote stable relationships whilst supporting the best possible routes for maintaining healthy co-parenting relationships following separation. The key recommendations are: the setting-up of a working group to propose changes in legislation and the justice system in the area of child maintenance; strengthening support structures and training professionals to respond to the needs of families; promoting relationship education; and promoting parenting as a shared responsibility.