Understanding Child Custody and Support in Alabama
As difficult as it can be for parents to resolve child custody issues, it is even more difficult for a judge who does not know you or your family. For this reason, Alabama courts encourage families to decide parenting time issues for themselves. Going to court is a last resort — and often a costly one.
As a divorce lawyer who represents family law clients in the Birmingham area, I will work very hard to help you reach a settlement of child custody and visitation issues. I will also explain how child support is calculated in Alabama and ensure that it is calculated appropriately in your case.
What is Child Custody?
There are two types of child custody in Alabama. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions for your child. Physical custody is where your child will live.
In many cases, both legal and physical child custody is shared between the parents. However, one parent may have primary physical custody, meaning that the child will live with that parent most of the time while the other parent has visitation. It is rare for one parent to have sole legal and physical custody, and you would need a compelling reason to deny the other parent reasonable visitation rights.
If the parents cannot agree on a custodial arrangement, then the court will order a custody evaluation using experts such as psychologists and licensed clinical social workers. The court will base its custody decision on the child's best interests.
Alabama Child Support Guidelines
Alabama has a set of guidelines that are used to determine the amount of child support to be paid each month. The guidelines consider the income of each party, the number of children, the cost of medical insurance and day care, and whether you pay alimony or support for other children. However, the court can deviate from the guidelines if you and your spouse earn more than $10,000 per month together, or if your child has special needs.
Child support generally continues until your child reaches age 19. The courts may also order one or both parents to contribute to the child's college education expenses.
Child support can be changed if your financial circumstances change.
Free attorney consultation: To schedule an appointment at my Birmingham office, call 205-822-9334 or fill out the contact form on this Web site. Your initial consultation is always free.
