Most people get married with the intent to stay married.
Nevertheless, the reality is that not all marriages will ultimately work out, and that’s okay.
However, if you are thinking about filing for divorce in Alabama, it is important to follow the proper process.
Going through a divorce can be complicated and life-changing. Further, a divorce can bring out a lot of emotions in the parties involved, making the process feel overwhelming at times.
Know that you are not alone. An experienced Birmingham divorce attorney can help you navigate the process of filing for divorce in Alabama and work with you to get you through this difficult time.
How to Get a Divorce in Alabama: An Overview
Filing for divorce in Alabama can be intimidating, and you may not know where to even start. However, having a general idea of the process and requirements can help alleviate some stress.
Preliminary Matters to Address
Before filing for divorce in Alabama, there are a few preliminary matters that you will need to address. Primarily, it is important that at least one party to the divorce has lived in Alabama for at least 6 months prior to filing.
Additionally, you should be aware of the requirements regarding where you can file your petition for divorce. Specifically, you may file for divorce in the county in which:
- Your ex currently resides;
- You both resided when the separation occurred; or
- You reside, if your ex is a non-resident of Alabama.
If you have questions about where you should file your divorce petition, contact a lawyer to discuss your particular circumstances in more detail.
Prepare and Serve Your Divorce Complaint
Next, you will prepare your complaint for divorce. The State of Alabama does provide some self-help Alabama divorce forms to help parties who may not have an attorney. But depending on the complexity of your situation, you may need an attorney to help draft your complaint.
In an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all issues, the process may be simpler.
However, parties will frequently disagree on a number of important items such as:
- Property division,
- Child custody,
- Child support, and
- Alimony.
In situations where these issues are contested, it can be difficult to know how to prepare your divorce complaint. An attorney can help you craft your complaint and gather documents to help support your case moving forward.
Once you’ve filed your complaint with the court, you will also need to serve it on the other party. After you serve your divorce complaint, the opposing party will have 30 days to respond.
Contact Our Legal Team Today
For your divorce case, you deserve someone who has the knowledge and resources to help with your case. But just as important, you also deserve someone who understands what you are going through and who will fight to get you the best outcome possible.
The Dagney Johnson Law Group has been helping clients in Alabama for over 40 years, and we are ready to do the same for you. If you have questions about how to file for divorce in Alabama, contact our team online or by phone at (205) 937-6564 today.
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