Divorce in Alabama
State-specific overview · Family Law
Alabama requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before a judge can grant a divorce decree.
How Alabama treats Divorce
Alabama allows divorce on fault and no-fault grounds, with no-fault divorce available after a 30-day waiting period from the filing date. The state recognizes traditional fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, and abandonment. Alabama courts divide marital property equitably, though the state is not a community property jurisdiction. Alimony and child support follow statutory guidelines based on income and custody arrangements.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.