When the court grants one of the parents child custody, both parents are still responsible for catering to the needs of their child. Under the child support law, the court usually mandates the non-custodial parent to pay child support.

Factors that are taken into consideration when deciding the amount of child support include the needs of the child, the income of both parents, the parents’ existing obligations, and debts.  When the non-custodial parent refuses to pay the mandated child support, another court proceeding may be necessary to enforce compliance with the court ruling.