A Quick, Legal, Do-It-Yourself Divorce in Alabama

Do-It-Yourself is the quick route to divorce in Alabama.

When filing for divorce, always consider using an attorney when possible. However, using a lawyer for your divorce takes dollars away from you in hard financial times. Working with an attorney also means living with that lawyer's schedule, which can lengthen the time for your divorce. Fortunately, you can save yourself money by doing it yourself. If you are in a hurry, a do-it-yourself divorce, legal in Alabama, can go quickly if you have no minor children.

Instructions

1. 

   You must live in Alabama to file for divorce in Alabama.

   Establish legal residency for a quick Alabama divorce. You must live in Alabama for at least six months for a legal divorce. If you don't have residency established in Alabama, consider filing in the state where you last lived. Also, if your spouse lives in Alabama, you may file in your spouse's home county no matter where you live.

2. 

   Talk it out with your spouse before going to court for a quick and legal divorce in Alabama.

   Work out a financial agreement with your spouse prior to filing for divorce. A contested divorce involves more time. Without a financial agreement, the judge will have to hold a hearing, delaying your final divorce decree. Additional costs will be accrued if you and your spouse are ordered into mediation. Try your best to figure out how to divide your debts on your own. Fast divorces in Alabama must not have assets to divide; consider selling any assets and dividing the cash prior to filing for divorce.

3. 

   The county court is your route to a divorce in Alabama.

   Find your county court. County courts hear divorce cases in Alabama (see Resources). Some county courts have their own websites. Check these for any special forms that may be required by your particular county and for fee information.

4. File the paperwork. Download and complete the Alabama Divorce Complaint and the Plaintiff's Testimony form and the Request for Divorce Judgment by Default (see Resources). Get all three forms notarized before taking them to the county clerk. Complete any additional forms required by your county.

5. 

   Pay the filing fees required by Alabama.

   Pay the filing and other court fees. Your fees will vary depending on the Alabama county where you file for divorce. Check with the court clerk for the latest fee schedule. Fees typically range from $100 to $200. If you cannot afford to pay court fees, you may apply for a waiver -- your court clerk or county court website may have the form you need to file to receive this relief.

6. 

   You can get your quick, legal Alabama divorce in 30 days.

   Wait 30 days for your final divorce decree. Depending on the court's schedule, you may have to wait slightly longer than that. Your county clerk can advise you as to the date that your decree will be issued.

References

• Divorce and Domestic Violence in Alabama: Answers to Some Common Questions
• Shelby County, Alabama Courthouse Circuit Clerk's Office: Domestic Relations

Resources

• Alabama Administrative Office of Courts: Alabama's Judicial Circuits
• The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Alabama Circuit Court Clerks by County
• AlabamaLegalHelp.org: Divorce Complaint
• AlabamaLegalHelp.org: Plaintiff's Testimony
• AlabamaLegalHelp.org: Request for Divorce Judgment by Default