New Alabama Child Support Laws

Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Lori Pace

For different reasons, relationships and marriages between people who have already had a child may end. One parent will be the one responsible of the child. Besides, the child would live off that parent’s income alone rather than along with the income of the other parent. It’s not different in Alabama. So, let’s figure out about the new Alabama Child Support Laws.

What are Child Support Payments?

What Are Child Support Payments
Child support payments from one parent to another to support the child.

Child support payments are payments that one parent makes to the other to support their child’s welfare. The parent with the custody of the child receives child support payments.

In America, not every States have Child Support Laws but Alabama is not one of them.

The Process For Alabama Child Support Laws After Divorce

To apply for child support, you must first get to the non-custodial parent. This usually involves finding the address of the non-custodial parent. The court papers will be served and the case can move forward. The Department of Human Resources usually finds the non-custodial parent. There are many information sources, such as tax records, names, social security numbers, and so on. rely on them to facilitate the process of locating.

Once the other parent is located and paternity established (in case of a male noncustodial father), the case is decided by the court. The custodial parents the receives child support. The other parent often pays these payments monthly to the child’s parents. The amount chosen is based on income levels and health insurance.

The application fee for child support may cost $5 to $25 depending on the income of the parent. Parents who are eligible for Medicaid assistance will be exempt from paying the fee.

How Do You Receive Child Support

Alabama has two methods to pay child support payments. The non-custodial parent pays the agreed child support amount via MoneyGram and ExpertPay. The money is paid directly to the custodial parent’s account. They can then withdraw the funds for the care of the child. 

ExpertPay also allows non-custodial parents the option to pay with their credit cards. This is available via their sister site, e-childspay. For more information on both payment services, visit their websites at moneygram and expertpay.

How Do You Receive Child Support 1

The Laws for Alabama Child Support Calculator

There are many factors that affect the maximum amount of money to receive in Alabama as child support. Child support payments are calculated using factors such as the number of children, income of parents and child support payments from previous marriages. 

Alimony payments from prior marital relationships, daycare costs, insurance, etc. These factors are taken into account for both the custodial as well as the non-custodial payments. You can get higher child support payments if the income of the non custodial parent is higher. 

Visit the website for Alabama child support calculator for the exact child support payments. Even if the noncustodial parent has no steady income, they may still have to pay $50 in child support. Child support payments are a requirement until the child graduates from high school or reaches the age of 19, whichever comes first.

Enforcement of The Alabama Child Support Laws

If a parent fails to pay child support, there are several options available for settling the child support bill. The court may order the non-custodial parent’s employer to deduct the child support payments from their wages. 

The non-custodial parent can also deduct unpaid child support from his/her tax refund. However, there is a $10 fee. You can report credit reporting agencies for arrears exceeding $1000. Federal authorities would prosecute parents who abandon the state in order to avoid paying child support. Additionally, these measures discourage non-custodial parent from skipping or avoiding child support payments to custodial parent.

Visit the website of the Department of Human Resources, to learn more information about Child Support in Alabama. 

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!