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When a contested divorce is filed in Alabama, the final resolution can be months or more than a year away. Temporary orders fill that gap by establishing the rules both parties must follow while the case is pending – covering finances, property use, child custody, and support. In Huntsville contested divorce cases, the temporary order […]

Child support in Alabama is not determined by a judge’s discretion on what seems fair. It follows a specific formula established under the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, and understanding how that formula works helps Huntsville parents know what to expect – and where disputes are most likely to arise. The Income Shares Model Alabama […]

On March 27, 2026, the Alabama Supreme Court handed down a decision that quietly—but significantly—changed the landscape for unmarried fathers across the state. If you’re a father who isn’t on the birth certificate yet, if you’ve had an on-again/off-again relationship with your child’s mother, or if paternity simply hasn’t been formally established, this ruling affects […]

Alabama child custody venue determines which county has authority to hear a case. In a recent decision, the Court of Civil Appeals clarified that venue must be based on an objective residency standard — not a party’s subjective belief.

Divorce has a way of making even thoughtful, disciplined people want one thing above all else: for it to be over. We hear it all the time: “I’m just so ready for this to be done.” That feeling is understandable. Divorce is disruptive, emotionally taxing, and anxiety‑producing. But when the desire to be done starts […]

Alabama’s child support system was designed to give parents a clear and predictable way to understand what their financial responsibilities look like after separation, divorce, or any situation where parents are no longer living together. Even though the rules are structured, parents quickly discover that applying Alabama child support laws in real life can feel […]

When parents in Alabama decide to end their relationship or marriage, the question of where the children will live and how decisions will be made about their upbringing becomes a central concern. Alabama courts look closely at the child’s best interests, and the outcome depends heavily on the specific needs and circumstances of each family. […]

Legal separation offers couples in Alabama an alternative to divorce, allowing them to live apart while remaining legally married. Unlike divorce, legal separation does not dissolve the marriage but provides a formal arrangement addressing issues such as child custody, support, and property division. This option can be particularly valuable for couples seeking time to evaluate […]

Common law marriage is a unique legal concept that recognizes a couple as legally married without a formal ceremony or marriage license, based on their actions and intentions to live as spouses. In Alabama, common law marriages established before January 1, 2017, are recognized, which means couples who meet certain criteria may have the same […]