The amount of child support parents pay is based on the amount of time the children are with them. A split custody arrangement will result in a lower overall child support payment. An arrangement where one parent has sole physical custody will create a higher child support payment for the noncustodial parent. When determining child support, the court will consider each parent's gross income, number of minor children, both parents' ability to work, whether either parent is currently underemployed or unemployed, the tax filing status of the parents, amount of time spent with the children and various deductions such as union dues, health care costs, and property taxes.