Often after divorce, child support and custody become an issue. When custody is determined by a judge, there are a few different ways child support can be determined as well. If one parent gets full custody, they are considered the custodial parent. The non-custodial parent will typically be ordered to pay child support. If both parents get joint custody, they will usually be equally responsible for child support and the childrens' financial welfare. After divorce, child support amounts are typically determined by how much money the non-custodial parent makes, how many children are involved, what other payments may be being made outside of the current case, etc. Some families do not need the court to intervene and determine child support payments, as they work the financial issues out on their own, but those who cannot should consider hiring a child support attorney. The attorney can ensure that the payments are fair and that the childrens' best interests are being taken to heart when judicial decisions are made.