Understanding Alabama Child Support: A Guide for Parents

Under Alabama law, parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. This issue commonly arises in divorce proceedings, but it can also be addressed in a separate action. The state uses specific guidelines to determine the amount of child support outlined in Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration. In other words, Alabama child support is determined based on guidelines that consider both parents’ income, the child’s needs, and the custody arrangement. If you’re dealing with a child support matter in Alabama, it might be helpful to consult with a family law attorney who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

Alabama Child Support Guidelines

Alabama Child Support Guidelines are based on the income shares model, which estimates how much money an intact two-parent family would spend on the children. This figure is then split between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes.

The basic guideline amount is added to each parent’s gross monthly income, and additional expenses like health insurance and day care costs are incorporated into the formula. However, judges have discretion to deviate from these rules if they believe the recommended order is unfair or inappropriate.

The court will then enforce the order by either withholding funds from a parent’s paycheck or requiring them to mail a check to the Alabama Child Support Payment Center. The payments are then disbursed to the recipient parent.

There are a number of websites that offer free, online child support calculators. However, you should always use official state resources. These are usually updated regularly. Other sites may need to update their calculators, so they may not be accurate. In addition, these online tools are not designed to help you calculate child support for a specific case.

How to Apply for Alabama’s Child Support Program?

There are two main ways to apply for Alabama’s Child Support Program:

1. In Person:

• Contact your local Department of Human Resources (DHR) office: You can find your nearest DHR office by calling the Child Support Enforcement Division at 1-800-984-0980.
• Schedule an appointment: They will schedule a time for you to come in and complete the application process.
• Complete the application forms: Before your appointment, you can download them here and fill them out beforehand. This can save you time at your appointment.
• Application Fee: Depending on your income, there may be a $5 or $25 application fee. You can pay by cash or by order of money at the time of your appointment. Medicaid recipients are exempt from the fee.

2. By Phone:

• Not all counties allow applications by phone, so it’s best to call your local DHR office to inquire.

Who can apply: Generally, the custodial parent (the parent with primary physical custody) applies. However, legal guardians, foster parents, and even alleged fathers can also apply in certain situations.

What to bring to your appointment: Proof of income for both parents (if known), proof of child’s birth, Social Security numbers for all parties involved, and proof of custody (if applicable).

Key Points About Alabama Child Support

Income Shares Model: Alabama uses the income shares model to calculate child support. This model considers the combined income of both parents and allocates the child support amount proportionally based on each parent’s income.

Gross Income Consideration: Gross income includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, income from self-employment, dividends, and other sources. Certain deductions, such as health insurance premiums for the child and other noncustodial children, can be subtracted.

Basic Child Support Obligation: The state provides a child support schedule that specifies the total child support obligation based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children.

Additional Expenses: The court may also consider expenses such as child care costs, health care (including insurance and extraordinary medical costs), and educational expenses. These costs are typically shared by the parents in proportion to their incomes.

Adjustments for Custody: The amount of child support can be adjusted based on the time the child spends with each parent. If there is joint physical custody or significant visitation, the basic support amount might be modified to reflect the shared parenting responsibilities.

Modification and Enforcement: Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, employment status, or the needs of the child. The Alabama Department of Human Resources can assist with enforcing child support orders, including collecting payments and taking legal action against non-paying parents.