When you decide to end your marriage, there are several aspects to consider. If you want to initiate a divorce in Alabaster, you need to be aware of Alabama laws and must fulfil the necessary requirements. The entire legal process can be time-consuming and daunting, and you may want to have an expert on your side. Remember that your life will change drastically after the divorce, which means you should strive for the best possible outcome. Consider meeting an experienced divorce lawyer in Alabaster, AL, who can guide you further. Here are some details for starters.
Residency requirements
Either both or one of the spouses should be a resident of the state to initiate divorce proceedings. You must be living in the state for at least six months, especially if your spouse is located outside of the state.
Grounds for divorce
Alabama, like many states, allows for both no-fault and fault-based divorces. If you believe that the marriage is broken beyond any hope for reconciliation, you will have a no-fault divorce, where there is no blame on your spouse. There are also other fault grounds for divorces in the state, including adultery, abandonment, incurable insanity, and drug abuse.
Contested vs uncontested divorces
If you and your spouse agree to fix all issues and don’t want to involve the court in the decision-making process, an uncontested divorce is the best option. You must wait at least 30 days to finalize the process in Alabama, even for an uncontested divorce. Contested divorces are much more complex and require extensive work. At times, parties may not have any consensus on certain issues, and the judge will eventually decide. Contested divorces can continue for months or years.
When to engage a lawyer
A family lawyer can help you tide through the divorce proceedings and will work as your advocate. They will do what it takes to protect your rights but may advise differently when your expectations are unreal. Lawyers usually charge an hourly rate for divorce matters, but if yours is a no-fault, uncontested divorce, some firms in Alabaster may also accept a flat fee. Lawyers are critical for dealing with mediation, discussing issues with your spouse, and getting the paperwork right. With extensive experience in the field, they know exactly how to simplify things and avoid a battle in court.
You can check online for law firms specializing in family law in Alabaster and schedule meetings with a few.
