A divorce might be the hardest thing you will ever go through. We would like to share some of the things we’ve seen and heard from our experiences. Oftentimes, there are many expectations around divorce, and we will assist you from start to finish. We want you to understand everything about your situation so that you are aware and better prepared.
Residency Requirements
First, there are some residency requirements within the state of Alabama that must be met before applying.
If both parties are residents in Alabama, a divorce can be filed at any time. If the main party filing for the divorce is a resident of Alabama and the other spouse lives in another state, the main party must have been a resident in Alabama for over six months before applying.
Contested vs. Uncontested
If the spouse agrees to the divorce and signs the agreement paperwork stating that they agree to all of the terms, this is known as an ‘uncontested divorce.’ In an uncontested divorce, nothing is filed with the Court until both parties have signed the agreement and other required paperwork.
If the spouse refuses to sign an agreement, that is known as a ‘contested divorce.’ A contested divorce begins by filing a Complaint for Divorce and having the opposing party personally served. Your case will then eventually be set for trial, but the majority of cases still settled out of court without a trial, even if they start out as contested.
If you have a trial, both parties present their evidence, and the Judge makes a decision about all issues in the case. You can check out more information on uncontested divorce and contested divorce here.
Issues to be Addressed in a Divorce
Last, if there are assets involved such as properties or other finances, out-of-court meetings may be necessary to resolve these or, if needed, in-court hearings or trial. This also goes for custody and visitation of mutual children, child support, and spousal support, if applicable.
We here at Herlihy Family Law are dedicated to making divorces as smooth and painless as possible. From child support, child custody contested divorces, and uncontested divorces we are with you every step of the way. Divorces can be easy. Contact us now by phone or email to book an appointment and start your divorce process sooner rather than later.