Spousal and Child Support

The state of Alabama is guided by the Income Shares Model when determining the amount of child support after a divorce. Parents can independently negotiate the amount they consider reasonable, and if their arrangement is fair, the court will support this decision. But if the amount is incorrect or the court finds it does not meet the child's interests and needs, the court will decide at its own discretion. When deciding, the court will consider various factors including the number of minor children under the age of 19 years old, the total gross income of parents, the gross income of each parent as a percentage from a total income, the amount required to cover the child's health insurance, as well as other obligation regarding child support.

Financial support for the child is aimed at maintaining the standard of living that the child had while the parents were married. A parent with a higher income typically bears greater financial responsibility for the maintenance of the child.