Alabama Child Support Calculator
Calculate child support in Alabama using the state's official Income Shares Model. Includes custody adjustments, health insurance credits, and childcare deductions.
Alabama divorces typically cost 46% less than the national average of $12,900.
Child Support in Alabama
- Formula
- Income Shares Model
- Income cap
- None specified
- Equal parenting presumption
- No
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
Child Support Calculator in Alabama: What You Should Know
Alabama uses the Income Shares Model, set out in Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration. The state combines both parents' gross incomes, reads the basic support obligation off a guideline schedule, and then divides that obligation between the parents in proportion to what each one earns. The parent with less parenting time generally pays their share to the other, who is presumed to spend their own share directly on the children. Work-related childcare and the children's health insurance are added on top of the base figure. Alabama sets no statutory income cap, so above the top of the schedule the court fixes support at its discretion.
Key point: Alabama follows the Income Shares Model under Rule 32, combining both parents' gross incomes and prorating the obligation by each parent's share.
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Locked to Alabama on this page.
Use your gross (before-tax) monthly income. If you are paid annually, divide by 12.
Use their gross (before-tax) monthly income. If they are paid annually, divide by 12.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Child Support in Alabama - Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Alabama?
Alabama uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total obligation is proportional to their share of the combined income.
Can child support be modified in Alabama?
Yes. Either parent can request a child support modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, change in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. Courts in Alabama typically require a change of at least 15-20% in the support amount to justify modification.
Does custody arrangement affect child support in Alabama?
Yes. Parenting time is a significant factor in child support calculations. When a parent has the children for a substantial portion of time (typically 40% or more overnights per year), child support is adjusted to reflect the additional direct costs that parent bears.
Is there an income cap for child support in Alabama?
Alabama does not set a specific income cap in its child support formula. However, courts have discretion to deviate from the guideline amount in cases with very high incomes.
How long does child support last in Alabama?
Child support in Alabama typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Support may continue longer if the child has a disability or if the parents agree to extend support for college expenses.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.