Alabama Child Support Calculator

Alabama uses the income shares model. Alabama uses the Income Shares Model under Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined to determine the Basic Child Support Obligation from the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations (Appendix to Rule 32). Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined income. Adjustments are made for work-related child care expenses, health insurance premiums, and extraordinary medical expenses. Form CS-42 is the standardized worksheet. The guidelines are reviewed and updated at least every four years per Rule 32(G).

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Alabama generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Alabama can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Alabama has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.