Child custody and support in Alabama

Custody of the Children In Alabama

The court awards joint or sole custody in accordance with what would be in the best interest of a child or children. Joint legal custody gives both birth parents the right to contribute to decision-making processes involving a child’s development and well-being. This does not mean that both parents have 50-50 time with the children. However, joint physical custody may exist and can be arranged so that parents have shared time with the children.

Alabama Child Support Guidelines

Alabama’s standard child support guidelines apply in virtually every contested and uncontested divorce case, barring special circumstances. Both parents' gross income, as well as other child-related expenses, are taken into consideration when calculating child support obligations. Child Support continues at least until the child reaches age 19 and may extend through the completion of secondary education.