Alabama Child Support Calculator – Accurate & Easy to Use

What Is the Alabama Child Support Calculator?

The Alabama Child Support Calculator is an online form that estimates monthly child support payments using Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration. It uses real data—like both parents’ incomes and child-related expenses—to generate a realistic payment amount.

It’s not a legal ruling, but it does reflect how Alabama courts typically determine child support obligations.

Why Use It?

• Quick estimates without paperwork
• Helps you prepare for court or mediation
• Builds transparency between parents
• Based on Alabama law, not guesses

Inputs You’ll Need (What the Calculator Asks For)

To get an accurate result, you’ll need to fill in:

1. Parent Incomes

• Parent One Gross Monthly Income
• Parent Two Gross Monthly Income

Include all income sources like wages, bonuses, or freelance work.

2. Pre-existing Support Payments

• If either parent is already paying child support or alimony, enter those numbers. These are deducted from their income in the calculation.

3. Number of Children

• The calculator supports up to 6 children. Select how many are involved in the case.

4. Custodial Parent

• Choose which parent the children live with most of the time. The other parent is considered the non-custodial parent, and they typically pay support.

5. Child-Related Expenses

• Child Care Costs: Work-related only.
• Health Insurance: Only premiums for the children.

How the Calculator Works (Plain English, No Math Degree Needed)

Here’s a simple breakdown of the logic behind the calculator:

Step 1: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

It subtracts any pre-existing support payments from both parents’ gross income to get their adjusted gross incomes.

Step 2: Combine Both AGIs

It adds the adjusted incomes together to get a combined income.

Step 3: Match to Alabama’s Support Schedule

Using the combined income and number of children, the calculator references Alabama’s official child support schedule to find a base monthly obligation.

If the combined income doesn’t match a value on the chart, the calculator estimates (interpolates) the number between the two closest values.

Step 4: Add Shared Expenses

Child care and insurance costs are added to the base amount.

Step 5: Calculate Shares

Each parent’s share of the total obligation is based on how much of the combined income they contribute.

Step 6: Determine Non-Custodial Payment

The non-custodial parent’s share becomes the estimated monthly child support payment.

Example Scenario (Just to Make It Click)

Let’s say:

• Parent One earns $5,000/month
• Parent Two earns $3,000/month
• No pre-existing support
• 2 children
• Custodial parent: Parent One
• $300/month in child care
• $200/month in insurance

The calculator will:

1. Add $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000 combined income
2. Look up the base support for 2 kids at $8,000 income → $1,518
3. Add expenses: $1,518 + $300 + $200 = $2,018 total obligation
4. Parent Two earns 37.5% of total income → Pays 37.5% of $2,018
5. Estimated monthly payment = $756.75

(These numbers are for illustration only.)

What Happens After?

The calculator gives you:

• Basic Child Support Obligation
• Total Obligation (with child care and insurance)
• Non-Custodial Parent’s Share (%)
• Estimated Monthly Payment

It also includes a disclaimer: this is a guideline estimate, not a legal ruling. Always consult a family law attorney before making decisions.

Is the Calculator Accurate?

Yes—for estimates. It follows Alabama’s legal formula and uses current state guidelines. But it can’t account for special circumstances like:

• Joint custody
• Special needs
• Large income disparities
• Court-approved deviations

If your situation is complex, it’s best to speak to a lawyer.

Key Takeaways