What forms do I need to file for divorce and how much do I need to pay for child support?
Full Question:
Answer:
In Alabama, the defending spouse must file an answer within 30 days of his/her receipt of the summons and complaint. In cases where the parties cannot agree on the amount of child support, the court will use statutory guidelines to determine child support based upon the income levels of the parents. The court may deviate from these guidelines if the parties agree to do so or it believes it is necessary in order to establish an order that is in the best interests of the children. Using the gross incomes of the parties, the cost of daycare and the cost of medical insurance, support can be computed under the mandatory guidelines known as Rule 32. The tax exemption for the children may be negotiable and there may be extraordinary medical or educational expenses to be considered. The parents may agree to vary the Rule 32 amount, but if contested, the court will usually apply the guidelines unless it finds specific reasons why so doing will be unfair and inequitable.
