Henagar, AL asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Support for Alabama

Q: Does child support for 2 children suddenly drop in half when one child turns 19?

My oldest turned 19 & my youngest is 16. When my son turned 19 their father cut child support from $400 for 2 & then started paying $200. There was no discussion or anything. I just started receiving 1/2 of the payment. I was just wondering if that is the way it is suppose to be done or if there is more to it?

2 Lawyer Answers
Kristine Jones
Kristine Jones
Answered
  • Montgomery, AL
  • Licensed in Alabama

A: Thank you for your question. No, that is not how child support is calculated. It should have been recalculated according to Rule 32 guidelines. A modification to recalculate should be filed to address the remaining child and enter an IWO so the arbitrary reduction in payments do not happen again. Best of luck!

Travis T Juneau agrees with this answer

Travis T Juneau
Travis T Juneau
Answered
  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Licensed in Alabama

A: It will not "drop" automatically, but it does give you grounds to request a modification and have child support recalculated for the one child. Until a modification is ordered, the amount you are ordered to pay and you are responsible for will remain the same.

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