When it comes to paying child support, joint custody works a little differently than one parent receiving full custody of the children. The parents may decide amongst themselves how they are going to financially provide for the children. If they cannot come to an agreement, they may decide to let a judge make the decision for them. Typically with joint custody, both parents will be responsible for child support and the judge will usually require both parents to pay an equal share. However, in some cases one parent may have to pay more, such as when one parent earns significantly more than the other from his or her job. With joint custody, if one parent defaults on the child support, the other parent can file a grievance with the court in order to obtain that amount. However, in most cases when it comes to joint custody, both parents pay for the things their children need as they arise. Individuals who must go to child support court should consider hiring an attorney to represent them. Child support attorneys are familiar with the laws and statues, as well as how most judges will make decisions in the case.