Free · Alabama · Current law
Based on Alabama's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Alabama Schedule of Basic Child-Support Obligations (effective May 1, 2022). A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Child support in Alabama is calculated using the Income Shares Model. First, each parent's monthly gross income is determined. These incomes are then combined to establish a total combined monthly adjusted gross income. This combined income, along with the number of children, is used to find the basic child support obligation from the Alabama Schedule of Basic Child-Support Obligations. Each parent's proportional share of this basic obligation is then calculated based on their percentage contribution to the combined adjusted gross income. Finally, additional costs such as work-related childcare and health insurance premiums are added, applying the same percentages, to arrive at the final child support obligation.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Alabama guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
In Alabama, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period after the divorce complaint is filed before the court can issue a final judgment of divorce. For an uncontested divorce, it typically takes 1 to 2 months to finalize. A contested divorce can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court's schedule.
No, you are not legally required to have a lawyer to get divorced in Alabama. You can file for divorce 'pro se' (representing yourself). This is most common in uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms. However, if your divorce is contested, involves complex property division, or child custody disputes, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney.
Yes, Alabama allows for no-fault divorce. You can file on the grounds of an 'irretrievable breakdown of the marriage' or 'complete incompatibility of temperament,' meaning neither spouse has to prove the other did something wrong. Alabama also still allows for fault-based grounds, such as adultery, abandonment, or abuse.
Alabama is an 'equitable distribution' state. This means that marital property is divided in a way that the court deems fair and equitable, which does not necessarily mean a strict 50/50 split. The court considers various factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, and the conduct of the parties during the marriage.
Child support in Alabama is calculated using the 'Income Shares Model.' This model estimates the total amount of money the parents would spend on the child if they lived together, based on their combined gross income. This total obligation is then divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes. The court uses specific guidelines and a standard worksheet (Form CS-42) to determine the exact amount.
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