When Can You Modify Child Support in Alabama?

By Ryan & Rouse | Family Law Attorneys | 256-801-1000

Child support isn’t set in stone. Life changes — and when it does, your child support order might need to change too. At Ryan & Rouse, we regularly help clients file for modification of child support in Alabama family courts. Here’s what you need to know.

What Triggers a Modification?

Under Alabama law, either parent can request a modification of child support when there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order. Some common examples include:

• A significant change in income(such as job loss, promotion, or new employment)
• A change in custody or visitation
• The child’s needs have changed(such as increased medical or educational expenses)
• One parent has another child to support
• The child has turned 19 or become emancipated

If it's been more than three years since your last order and the calculated support amount would differ by 10% or more under current guidelines, the court may consider that sufficient grounds to modify.

How Does the Process Work?

To modify child support, you must file a petition for modification in the same court that issued the original order. Both parties will need to provide updated income statements, expenses, and other financial information. The judge will review these documents — and possibly hold a hearing — before issuing a new support order.

At Ryan & Rouse, we handle every step of the process, from filing the petition to advocating for a fair outcome in court.

Can Support Ever Be Lowered?

Yes — support can be raised or lowered , depending on the facts. For example, if you lost your job through no fault of your own or are making significantly less income, the court may agree to reduce your obligation. But be warned: simply quitting your job or reducing hours voluntarily won’t get you relief. The court will look closely at whether the change is reasonable and in good faith.

Don’t Wait — Support Doesn’t Change Automatically

One of the biggest mistakes we see is parents assuming their support obligation will adjust on its own. It won’t. You must go back to court and request a formal modification. Until that’s done, the original support amount remains enforceable — and arrears can build quickly.

If you’ve had a change in income, custody, or your child’s needs, it may be time to revisit your support order.

📞 Call Ryan & Rouse at (256) 801-1000 to discuss your options for modifying child support in Alabama.