New Changes to Alabama Child Support Calculations: What Parents Need to Know in 2020

In 2020, Alabama implemented significant changes to its child support calculation guidelines for the first time in over a decade. The updates, adopted under Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, reflect efforts to modernize the child support system and ensure fairness in light of today’s economic realities.

If you're a parent currently paying or receiving child support — or are about to enter a divorce or custody agreement — it’s important to understand how these new rules may affect your case.

Why the Change Was Necessary

Prior to 2020, Alabama’s child support guidelines were based on economic data that had not been fully updated since 2009. Inflation, shifts in family structure, and rising costs of living made the old system increasingly outdated.

These revisions were intended to:

• Reflect more current economic data

• Provide greater accuracy in income assessments

• Address the growing number of shared custody arrangements

• Ensure more equitable results for both parents and children

Key Changes to Alabama’s Child Support Guidelines in 2020

1. Updated Income Tables

The new guidelines feature revised income tables that better reflect the cost of raising children in today’s economy. These updates account for cost-of-living increases and changes in family spending habits.

2. Shared Physical Custody Considerations

For the first time, the guidelines allow for a more nuanced approach to shared physical custody, where the child spends significant time with both parents. Previously, the formula often overcompensated or undercompensated one parent.

Now, if both parents share custody more equally, the calculation can be adjusted accordingly — potentially lowering or raising support amounts based on time spent with the child.

3. Clarified Definitions of Gross Income

2020 brought expanded definitions of what counts as gross income, including:

• Bonuses

• Commissions

• Overtime

• Severance pay

• Self-employment income

• Certain non-cash benefits (like housing subsidies)

These changes reduce the ability of higher-earning parents to hide or underreport income.

4. Medical Support Adjustments

Health insurance premiums and uncovered medical expenses now play a greater role in the final support figure. Courts must consider each parent’s contribution to medical coverage — which can affect the outcome of support calculations.

What If You Have a Pre-2020 Order?

Existing child support orders are not automatically changed. However, either parent may file a petition to modify child support if the new guidelines would result in a material change. The courts will consider the updated formulas when evaluating such petitions.

Why Legal Guidance Still Matters

Although Alabama provides an online child support calculator, the law is rarely straightforward. The new rules require careful consideration of:

• True income sources

• Time-sharing schedules

• Deviations for special needs or private schooling

• Credits for support of other children

Each case is unique, and minor errors in income reporting or custody percentages can result in major financial consequences.

At Nelson, Bryan, and Cross, we help parents navigate Alabama’s evolving family laws with clarity and compassion. If you’re concerned about how the 2020 child support changes affect your current arrangement — or you’re negotiating a new one — let us help you protect your rights and your child’s well-being.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and get the experienced legal guidance you deserve.