Processing child support payments is another service provided by the state.
All IV-D payments are processed on the Alabama Location Enforcement
Collection System (ALECS) . When the state receives payments from
non-custodial parents it is called collection. When the state pays out money
to custodial parents or the state it is called distribution. Allocation is
the method of distributing payments when a noncustodial parent has more than
one child support case.
Collection
The Alabama Child Support Payment Center receives all child support payments
and enters them into the computer system. Monthly statements are mailed to
parents required to pay child support. These statements may not be mailed to
parents whose employers deduct payments from their checks.
Distribution
The distribution of child support payments is governed by federal laws and
regulations. Whether you have ever received or are currently receiving TANF
benefits impacts the distribution of child support.
Allocation
Alabama law requires that if the non-custodial parent has more than
one case, any child support payments received will be distributed on a pro
rata basis among each family due support.
In the 2011 legislative session, an amendment to Section 8-8-10, Code of
Alabama 1975, changed the rate of interest that will accrue on future
judgments. Effective September 1, 2011, the new interest rate of 7.5%
will accrue on judgments entered after that date.
This recent
legislation will not impact judgments entered prior to September 1,
2011. Child support judgments entered prior to November 13, 1981
will still accrue interest at a rate of 6% per year and judgments
entered between November 1
3,
1981 and August 31, 2011 will still accrue interest at a rate of 12% per
year.
The
Alabama child support computer system has been
modified to properly calculate this interest.
A voice response system has been established in order for you to obtain
information on child support payments. See
Payment Information for
instructions on using this service.