If custody of a child is given to the child's father, child support payments may be required from the mother and vice-versa. Child support payments help the custodial parent take care of the children involved and it's only right that both parents take responsibility for the children they created. The amount of the child support payments is typically an amount that the non-custodial parent can handle, as the judge uses several factors to determine it. The number of children involved are considered, as well as the amount of money the non-custodial parent makes, and whether or not he or she makes any other court-ordered child support payments to other custodial parents. However, if a situation changes and the non-custodial parent finds themselves unable to pay the child support payments, he or she can file for a modification of child support. An attorney can help with this process, and anyone going to court for child support issues should consider hiring an attorney.