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Resources & Tools

Get clarity on what you're facing with these free, interactive tools. They're designed to help you understand — not replace legal advice.

Alabama Child Support Calculator
Alabama Divorce Checklist0 of 52 completed

Before Filing for Divorce in Alabama

Confirm you or your spouse have lived in Alabama for at least 6 months
Gather marriage certificate and any prenuptial agreements
Document current living arrangements and household setup
Consider your grounds for divorce (no-fault vs. fault-based)
Schedule consultation with a family law attorney
Open individual bank account if you don't have one
Understand Alabama's equitable distribution laws

Financial Documents to Collect

Last 3 years of tax returns (personal and business if applicable)
Recent pay stubs or proof of income for both spouses
Bank statements (checking, savings) for past 12 months
Credit card statements and documentation of debts
Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
Investment and brokerage account statements
Mortgage statements and property deeds
Vehicle titles and loan information
Life insurance policies and beneficiary designations
Business valuations if either spouse owns a business

Property & Asset Documentation

List all real estate (primary home, vacation properties, rental properties)
Document approximate value of home and outstanding mortgage
List all vehicles with approximate values
Inventory valuable personal property (jewelry, art, collectibles)
Document any inheritance or gifts received during marriage
List any property owned before marriage (separate property)
Take photos/videos of marital home and belongings

If You Have Children

Children's birth certificates and Social Security cards
School and medical records
Documentation of your involvement in children's activities
Calendar showing current parenting time/custody schedule
List of childcare providers and costs
Children's extracurricular activities and expenses
Health insurance information for children
Consider children's school year and minimize disruption
Document any special needs or medical requirements

Legal & Court Process (Alabama)

File Complaint for Divorce in appropriate Alabama county
Serve divorce papers to spouse (certified mail or sheriff)
Wait for spouse's response (30 days in Alabama)
Complete mandatory financial disclosures
Attend mediation if required by court
Complete parenting class if children involved (required in Alabama)
Negotiate settlement agreement OR prepare for trial
Finalize divorce decree with judge
Update legal documents after divorce is final

After Divorce is Final

Update beneficiaries on life insurance and retirement accounts
Change name on driver's license, Social Security, and passport if needed
Notify employer's HR department of divorce
Update or create new will and estate planning documents
Refinance or transfer property titles as ordered
Close joint credit cards and bank accounts
Update health insurance coverage
Set up child support payment method if applicable
Implement custody and visitation schedule
Update tax withholding and filing status

Need Help Getting Started?

This checklist can feel overwhelming. We'll walk you through each step, help you gather what you need, and protect your interests throughout the process.

FAQ Finder

Search through common questions across all practice areas

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More Helpful Tools

What Happens Next?

Timeline explainer for common cases

Select your situation to see a typical timeline:

What NOT To Do Right Now

Critical mistakes to avoid

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Don't post about your case on social media

Screenshots last forever. Anything you post can be used against you in court.

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Don't badmouth the other parent to your children

Courts notice when parents put kids in the middle. It can hurt your custody case.

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Don't hide assets or move money secretly

Courts can trace financial moves. Hidden assets often come back worse than if you'd been honest.

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Don't violate court orders, even 'unfair' ones

Violating an order, even with good intentions, can result in contempt charges and damage your credibility.

Quick Situation Assessment

Understand your situation better

Question 1 of 40% complete

Has DHR (Child Protective Services) contacted you?

Questions Before Your Court Date

Make sure you're prepared

Going to court? Make sure you can answer "yes" to these questions:

0 of 10 items checked. If you can't check everything, talk to your lawyer about what you need.

Need personalized guidance?

These tools can help you understand, but every situation is unique. Let's talk about yours.

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