In Alabama, child support plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial well-being of children after their parents separate or divorce. To arrive at a fair and equitable amount, the state uses specific guidelines to calculate child support obligations. This article will explain how child support is calculated in Alabama and the factors considered during this process.

1. Income Shares Model

Alabama utilizes the Income Shares Model as the basis for its child support guidelines. The model considers both parents’ incomes to determine each parent’s share of responsibility for their child(ren)’s financial needs. This approach reflects the idea that children should receive the same level of support they would have enjoyed if their parents were still together.

2. Determining Parental Income

The first step in calculating child support is determining each parent’s gross income, which includes salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, overtime pay, and various other sources of income such as investments or royalties. If a parent is unemployed or underemployed voluntarily, the court may impute income based on their earning potential rather than actual earnings.

3. Deductions

Certain deductions are allowed from each parent’s gross income before calculating their child support obligations.

These deductions can include:

– Pre-existing child support payments for other children

– Alimony payments made to a former spouse

– Mandatory work-related expenses such as union dues and occupational taxes

It is essential to keep accurate records of these expenses as they can impact the final child support calculation.

4. Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO)

After adjusting each parent’s income with deductions, their combined adjusted gross income is used to define their Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO). The BCSO represents the total cost of raising a child(ren) that both parents are required to cover. The state provides a schedule that outlines BCSO amounts based on different income levels and the number of children involved.

5. Division of BCSO

The BCSO is divided between the parents according to their respective adjusted gross incomes,
resulting in a percentage of responsibility for each parent. This percentage corresponds to each parent’s share of the total child support payment.

6. Additional Expenses

In some cases, the court may choose to add other expenses on top of the BCSO. These can include:

– Health insurance premiums

– Child care expenses

– Unreimbursed medical costs

– Extracurricular activity and education-related expenses

It’s crucial to remember that individual cases may vary, and courts have some discretion in determining these additional expenses.

7. Final Child Support Order

After determining each parent’s share of child support, including any additional expenses, the court will issue a final child support order. This order outlines the specific amount each parent is required to pay and when payments are due.

In conclusion, Alabama’s child support guidelines aim to ensure children receive the financial support they need while taking into account both parents’ incomes and expenses. It is essential for parents going through this process to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and provide accurate information to help the court reach an equitable decision. If circumstances change or if any disputes arise regarding child support amounts or terms, it’s vital to consult with an experienced family law attorney.