When any court orders child support from a spouse it is not done to penalize them in any way. Child support is an entirely different issue from alimony and is determined by the financial needs of both parents. For instance, if the custodial parent earns far less income than the other parent, this affects the amount of child support the spouse must pay. Child support may even begin before a divorce is complete, and this is especially true in those states that demand a legal separation agreement as part of the divorce process. It is this agreement that looks at income and financial needs and addresses such issues as custody, visitation and initial child support amounts. The amount that a parent pays in child support can also vary from year to year and as their own income changes. Most states will administrate such arrangements and indicate to the parent the amount they must pay.