A court in Alabama uses several criteria to determine an appropriate child support amount during a child support hearing. In Alabama, parents are obligated to support a minor child until the child turns age 19 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Here is some more information about elements considered in an Alabama child support case:
Income Sources
Child support in Alabama is calculated based on the combined income of both parents. Income includes:
- Salaries
- Commissions
- Bonuses
- Pension
- Retirements
- Gifts
- Disability payments
- Any and all money due and payable to a person
Child Support Factors
In Alabama, the court will consider the following factors, prior to awarding child support:
- Number of children who are the subject of the child support suit
- Amount of support paid for other children
- Daycare expenses
- Parents' income
- Health care expenses
Non-Income Based Child Support Factors
In addition to income-based child support, a judge may order a parent in Alabama to:
- Add a child to the parent's health insurance
- Contribute to extraordinary medical expenses
For more information about factors considered in a child support order in Alabama, speak with a qualified attorney in Alabama or refer to Alabama's Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations.