The bill amends Section 26-17-636 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to provide for the retroactivity of child support orders under specific circumstances. Notably, if a child support order is issued within the first year after the child's birth, it will be retroactive to nine months prior to the child's birth. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a parent's liability for past support is generally limited to a two-year period preceding the commencement of an enforcement action unless a support order has already been established. The language regarding the father's obligation to pay for the mother's pregnancy and confinement expenses has been removed.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions that allow the court to assess fees and costs related to paternity proceedings, including attorney's fees and genetic testing costs, while ensuring that no fees are charged to the support-enforcement agency unless specified by law. The bill also stipulates that if a party is represented by the district attorney or an attorney authorized to represent the State of Alabama, no filing fee will be required. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30-3-155, 30-3-155
Engrossed: 26-17-636, 26-17-636