Every state has a different implementation of the child support laws. In California at least, the enforcement can vary wildly from one county to another (including wage garnishments without proof of service). My example was overly simplistic, to be sure. But regardless of the details, in strictly economic terms, the government provides many short term incentives that encourage divorce and out-of-wedlock births. My complaint is about the perverse structure of government incentives, not so much the individuals whose behavior is often shaped by them. I think it negatively affects working class and middle class as well, not just welfare recipients.