How is child support calculated in Alabama?

Alabama child support is governed by Alabama Rule of Judicial Administration 32 (Rule 32 Guidelines), authorized by Alabama Code §§ 30-3-110 to 30-3-115.

1. Income Shares Calculation

Determine each parent's monthly gross income (Rule 32(B)(2)) — salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, severance, interest, dividends, pensions, Social Security, workers' comp, unemployment, gifts, prizes.

Subtract permitted adjustments — pre-existing child support actually paid, alimony paid.

Combine adjusted gross incomes.

Read the Basic Child Support Obligation from the Schedule at Rule 32 (revised effective Jan. 1, 2023, extending the schedule to combined gross of $30,000/month).

Add work-related childcare and health insurance premium for the child.

Pro rate by each parent's percentage share.

2. No Built-in Shared Custody Formula

Unlike most Income Shares states, Alabama's Rule 32 does not include a shared-custody offset formula. Joint physical custody is instead a basis for deviation under Rule 32(A)(1) — the court must make written findings that the standard guideline amount is unjust or inappropriate.

3. Above the Schedule

For combined gross incomes above $30,000/month, the court has discretion to set support based on the needs of the child and the standard of living, with written findings explaining the basis.

4. Duration (Ala. Code § 26-1-1; § 30-3-1)

Alabama's age of majority is 19. Support generally continues until the child reaches age 19, unless emancipated earlier by marriage, military service, or self-support.

Post-Minority College Support: Following Christopher v. Christopher, 198 So. 3d 575 (Ala. 2015), Alabama courts no longer have authority to order college support for non-disabled adult children — overruling the prior Bayliss doctrine. College support is enforceable only if parents contractually agree in a settlement.

5. Disabled Adult Child

Support may continue beyond 19 for an adult child who is mentally or physically disabled since before age 19 (Ex parte Brewington, 445 So. 2d 294 (Ala. 1983)).

6. Modification (Rule 32(A)(3))

Modification requires a material change in circumstances. A rebuttable presumption of material change exists when guideline recalculation produces a difference of 10% or more from the existing order. Title IV-D 3-year reviews available through DHR Child Support Services.

7. Imputed Income (Rule 32(B)(5))

Voluntary unemployment/underemployment allows imputation based on recent work history, occupational qualifications, and prevailing local job opportunities.

8. Self-Support Reserve

Rule 32 protects a Self-Support Reserve approximately equal to the federal poverty level for one person.

This is legal information, not legal advice.