Child Custody & Support

Prattville Child Custody & Support Attorneys

Providing Compassionate Counsel to Local Families Since 1956

Familial disputes can be deeply personal for everyone involved. However, the stakes can feel much higher when minor children are involved. Child custody and support decisions can have lasting effects on your family, making it essential to have a trusted child custody and support lawyer on your side.

At McDowell Faulk & Shirley, we understand the legally complex and emotionally charged nature of custody and support disputes. Whether it’s a contentious divorce or a visitation dispute, our attorneys provide compassionate counsel to help you move forward with clarity while prioritizing your child’s well-being at every step.

When you work with our firm, you can expect high-quality representation backed by more than six decades of experience. We pride ourselves on our proven track record of success in and out of the courtroom, underscoring our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for families like yours.

If you’re preparing for a custody or support dispute in Prattville, choose a firm with generations of experience. Call (334) 380-4252 to schedule a consultation.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Alabama?

Child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. The purpose is to establish an arrangement that provides the most stable, supportive, and safe environment for the child’s overall well-being.

The court may consider various factors to reach a decision, such as:

The mental and physical health of both parents.
The relationship between the child and each parent.
The child’s preferences, depending on their age and maturity.
The home environment and stability that each parent can offer.
Any history of domestic violence, neglect, or substance abuse.
Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s emotional, physical, and educational needs.

Family courts generally favor joint custody when both parents can cooperate and maintain the child’s best interests. However, if one parent cannot provide a safe or stable home, sole custody may be granted. We can protect your parental rights and advocate for a workable arrangement that preserves your relationship with your child.

What Are the Different Types of Child Custody?

Child custody can be sole (awarded to one parent) or joint (shared between both parents). There are two primary types of custody:

Physical custody determines where the child lives and which parent is responsible for their daily care and supervision.
Legal custody is the ability to make important decisions in the child’s life, such as education, religious upbringing, medical care, and extracurricular activities.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Alabama?

In Alabama, child support is calculated using an income shares model. This means the court estimates how much both parents would spend on their child if they were still living together, then divides that responsibility based on each parent’s income and the amount of time the child spends with each.

Family courts use Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration to determine the amount of support. Parents must also file specific financial forms to calculate payments, such as CS-41 (Child Support Obligation Income Statement) and CS-42 (Child Support Guidelines).

Key factors include each parent’s gross monthly income, the number of children being supported, health insurance and childcare costs, and the custody arrangement and parenting time schedule. We can help you file the correct paperwork, accurately represent income and expenses, and pursue a fair outcome.

How Does Child Custody Affect Child Support?

Child custody arrangements play a major role in determining child support amounts. The state uses an income shares model, which considers the amount of time each parent spends with the child.

When one parent has physical custody, the non-custodial parent typically pays child support to help cover the child’s daily expenses. In joint physical custody arrangements, child support may be adjusted or reduced to reflect each parent’s direct financial contributions while the child is in their care.

If one parent with joint custody earns substantially more income, they may be required to pay child support to balance the child’s standard of living between homes. Our lawyers are well versed in these legal complexities, making us well equipped to advocate for the financial support your child needs to thrive.

Can a Child Custody Order Be Modified?

A child custody order can be modified if there is a substantial and material change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests, such as evolving health needs, domestic violence, or relocation for employment.

The parent requesting the change is responsible for proving that the modification is necessary and in the child’s best interest. If you’re petitioning for a modification, we can help you present clear and convincing evidence that the proposed change will benefit your child's well-being and stability.

What if My Co-Parent Refuses to Follow the Custody Order?

Ignoring a custody order is considered contempt of court, which can result in legal consequences for the noncompliant parent. If your co-parent violates the terms of your custody arrangement, we can help you document violations, file an order for enforcement, and request remedies through the court, such as fines, makeup visitation, or modifying the custody schedule.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Custody & Support?

Working with an experienced child custody and support lawyer can make a meaningful difference in protecting your family’s future. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of child custody and support laws to help you pursue a resolution that honors your child’s needs.

We can help you:

Understand your legal rights and obligations.
Prepare and file accurate court documents to avoid procedural mistakes.
Negotiate custody arrangements and support payments fairly.
Present compelling evidence if disputes proceed to litigation.
Enforce or modify existing orders when circumstances change.

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance by failing to secure skilled representation. Contact us online to discuss your case with our caring advocates.

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Professional and Friendly
“"I found McDowell, Faulk & Shirley LLC to be a very professional, but friendly and responsive (I worked with Mr Shirley). From the first phone call I made to them to address my case to the final meeting to wrap things up they were great people to work with. I will use them for my future needs and highly recommend them."”

- Grady O
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“Thank you so much Mr. Shirley. I will forever be grateful!”

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