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 entered within the first year after the child's birth, it may 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 two years before the enforcement action unless a support order has been previously established. The bill also includes provisions that ensure no child-support order can be authorized if the child is not born alive.

In terms of technical revisions, the bill updates existing legal language for clarity and consistency. It specifies that the court may assess various fees and costs related to child support proceedings, with the possibility of these being paid from a designated fund if a party is unable to cover them. Furthermore, it removes outdated language regarding the father's responsibility for the mother's pregnancy expenses and clarifies the court's authority in determining support payments and related matters. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26-17-636, 26-17-636
Engrossed: 26-17-636, 26-17-636