noncustodial parent

don't assume that this is always the father, nor that a noncustodial mother is somehow lacking; our ideas of mothering and fathering are sometimes so narrow that we have difficulty imagining a mother who would give up custody of her children or a father who is devastated when he fails to get custody of his. The force of these sexist attitudes is enough to pressure some women into taking custody of children who might be better off with their fathers. Women may choose to avoid custody battles because they want to spare their children the conflict or are unable to support them financially. Threats of physical violence and harassment can also be a factor in a woman surrendering custodial rights. See also custodial parent.