The courts normally require that the parent who does not have custody of the child/children pay the other parent child support until the child/children reach the age of nineteen or become self-sufficient. The State of Alabama has under Rule 32 set the guidelines for determining the amount of child support that should be paid. Numerous factors are used in determining the amount that should be paid such as: the income of the parties, work-related child care cost, health insurance cost, pre-existing child support obligations, and pre-existing alimony obligations. These are guidelines the court may also consider other factors in setting child support such as unusual needs of the child, or the ability of the parent to pay more or less. NOTE: The court can also order Post-minority support for the child, usually if the child is attending college. VIEW SAMPLE CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINE WORKSHEET.

Child Support Guidelines