Mobile Divorce Lawyer Near Me

Divorce Doesn’t Have to be Costly

Most people think of a lengthy, drawn-out process when they think of divorce. While that can be the experience if you opt for a contested divorce, there is another option that can be much quicker and cost less for both parties. An uncontested divorce is a great option if both partners are willing to be fair and reasonable, and agree on all the terms of their divorce, such as child custody and division of assets.

If starting your new life is your priority and you are ready to separate quickly with minimal back and forth, an uncontested divorce may be a good option for you. When you meet with our divorce attorneys, they will explain the difference between contested and uncontested divorce, the considerations for each, and which option may be right for you.

Considering divorce?

• Divorce
• Child Support
• Child Custody
• Family Law
• Contested Divorce
• Uncontested Divorce
• Juvenile Law

Steps for Filing for Divorce in Mobile, Alabama

It is important to understand the process and timeline for filing for a divorce in the City of Mobile. Your divorce attorney will help you take this one step at a time.

Consultation

When you contact one of our compassionate divorce lawyers in Mobile, we will help you decide how to best proceed with legal action. During this case evaluation, your attorney will look at the details of your divorce and help you understand considerations based on your situation.

File for Divorce

If you decide divorce is right for you, your attorney will begin by drafting and filing your divorce paperwork to submit to the Alabama domestic relations court. 

Discovery

Your divorce lawyer will gather information about your marriage and any pertinent details relating to your case and share this information with your partner and his/her attorney.  Your divorce lawyer will request information from the opposing party about their finances, evidence, assets, and allegations they may make in your case. This helps us see what information the other side has.

Investigation

Our divorce lawyers will review the evidence and, if necessary, consult with experts to evaluate the facts of your case to determine a realistic and fair outcome.

Settlement Negotiations

Even if a case starts out as contested, most cases settle without going to trial. Once discovery is complete in a contested case, lawyers often exchange written settlement offers to attempt to resolve the case without a trial.  Of course, that is only done with the client’s approval and consent.  Mediation is another option to settle out of court. Parties can participate in mediation by agreement or it can be court-ordered. Mediation can be very effective in getting both parties to come to the table and iron out their disputes. 

Go to Trial

If an agreement doesn’t get met through settlement negotiations, your case will go to trial. Your divorce lawyer will present your case to a judge in a circuit court and present evidence on your behalf, including your own testimony, physical evidence such as documents or photographs, and the testimony of any fact or expert witnesses.

Child Support You Can Get From Divorce

Your Mobile divorce attorney will help you determine how much you can and should receive or pay for child support. This is an important aspect of your divorce and a common question our clients have when they begin their divorce. Factors that affect child support include

• Both parents’ income
• Custodial arrangements
• The cost of work-related daycare
• The cost of health insurance for the benefit of the children.

Alabama has set child support guidelines both for cases where the children live with one parent most of the time and for cases where the children spend an equal amount of time with each parent. The court is required to follow the state guidelines in setting child support; however, the court also has the discretion to deviate from the guidelines for certain reasons, such as travel expenses incurred to exercise visitation.

How Long Will Divorce Take? 

This is a very common question we get at Herlihy Family Law. Each divorce case is different and therefore the answer varies greatly. But, there are two general timelines you have to consider when filing for a divorce and they are dependent on the type of divorce you file.

An uncontested divorce is the quickest option. This divorce process is often fairly straightforward and can happen in as little as 30-60 days. 

A contested divorce is a lengthier path and is highly dependent on the complexities of your divorce, your partner’s cooperation, and the court system. This type of divorce averages anywhere from six to twelve months, although some cases may take longer if they are particularly complex or if either party is facing criminal charges.

How a Divorce Lawyer in Alabama Can Help

There are many reasons to hire a divorce attorney in Mobile to handle your separation. Here are just a few of the things we will do for you to make the process of divorce easier.

Gathering Evidence Related to Your Divorce 

If you are filing for a contested divorce, you will need to gather evidence to support your case. This can be a laborious and emotional process for you given the stress on your relationship. Your Mobile divorce lawyer will work with you to gather information and documents and guide you along the way, so the process is less overwhelming. Our divorce lawyers will also gather facts and evidence from other sources that help to build a stronger case for you.

Representing Your Best Interests 

You don’t have to negotiate on your own or go to court. We will represent your best interests at all times and ensure that your voice gets heard. We won’t let your spouse or his/her attorney dominate the floor and only present one side of the story. Our goal is to get you the best possible outcome for your divorce so that you can build a new life for yourself and your children. 

Consulting with Professionals 

Even if you have great evidence and clear facts, sometimes you need extra legal support to make sure all the relevant facts are known and considered before the judge makes a decision. Our divorce attorneys sometimes consult with other professionals and experts, such as psychologists or CPAs, to support your case. When you present a strong foundation of facts and evidence, this helps the judge make the best decision for you.

Calculating Your Child Support and Alimony Accurately

Figuring out how much child support or alimony you are owed or should pay can be confusing. There is a lot that goes into the calculation. We help you understand what amount is fair for you and your family.

Costs for a Divorce Lawyer

Our divorce attorneys discuss compensation fees and payment terms during your private consultation. We do not work on a flat-fee basis, as every case is different. Most clients find that the cost of a divorce lawyer makes good financial sense when they consider the amount of emotional distress, time, and money that is required to have a successful divorce. Not having a lawyer to advocate for you often costs you a lot more in the long run than the money you thought you saved on legal fees.

Build a Strong Case Before You File for Divorce 

If you are in a bad relationship, and your spouse is not willing to work on it, it is usually not a good idea to try to wait it out and hope that things will get better. But you also do not want to rush into filing for divorce without giving serious consideration to what is involved and what your future may look like after you are divorced. It is important to gather the facts and evidence before your spouse has a chance to cover his/her tracks. Be sure to document as much as you can before you give notice to your spouse. 

It is a good idea to gather your evidence and make sure you have everything you need to support a strong case. We know you want to move fast and get the process started and completed, but taking that extra time upfront can help you out in the long run.

Defend Yourself Against Your Partner’s Attorney

Divorce attorneys have a client obligation to try to advocate for the best interests of their clients. If your partner has hired an experienced Mobile divorce attorney and you haven’t, it will be difficult for you to present your best possible case to the court. Their attorney will have a better understanding of Alabama divorce laws and the court system, making it difficult and risky for you to try to navigate alone.

Our Mobile divorce lawyers won’t let their attorney push you around, conceal information, or mislead you or the court. While you can file for divorce on your own, everyone knows it is better to have a family law legal professional representing you and your best interests. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the value of having a strong divorce attorney in your corner to fight for you.

You Can Trust Us to Listen to You and Stand Up for You 

For the last 12 years, our family law attorneys in Mobile, Alabama have helped over 1,000 clients file for divorce and navigate the emotional and complex process. That is why Herlihy Family Law is repeatedly voted Best Divorce Attorney in Mobile. Our lead attorney, Alison Herlihy, is a registered domestic relations mediator and a certified guardian ad litem, which means a judge appoints her to represent the best interests of children. Your family is always our number one focus.

Get Help from Our Mobile Divorce Lawyers Near Me

If you feel stuck in a bad marriage and are considering divorce, you are not alone. A Mobile divorce lawyer from Herlihy Family Law may be able to help you find a way out of the relationship and start a new beginning. When you contact us for a private consultation with our attorneys, we can discuss how we can help you strengthen your case.