Birmingham Divorce Lawyer

Serving Clients in Shelby, Jefferson & St. Clair Counties 

If you are contemplating divorce or have begun the process, you likely have a lot on your mind, including questions about how the process works and how it will affect you and your family. Divorce can be highly emotional and problematic, especially considering how it impacts your parental rights and financial future. 

Many decisions will need to be made about the issues and details of your divorce, and relying on the advice and guidance of a proven legal professional can make all the difference in how you approach and resolve these issues. Our skilled Birmingham divorce attorney can provide the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions throughout the process. We can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and develop a strategic approach to achieve your goals. By working with our legal professionals, you can minimize stress and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

From the initial consultation to the final settlement, a divorce attorney can assist you with:

• Understanding the legal process: Navigating the intricacies of family law can be confusing. An attorney can explain the steps involved, timelines, and potential pitfalls.
• Protecting your assets: Whether it's real estate, investments, or business interests, a lawyer can help you safeguard your financial future.
• Resolving child custody and visitation issues: Child custody and visitation arrangements are often highly contentious. An attorney can advocate for your best interests and those of your children.
• Negotiating spousal support: Determining appropriate spousal support can be a complex issue. A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
• Dividing marital debt: Dividing debt can be as challenging as dividing assets. An attorney can help you strategize to minimize your financial burden.

Ruth Robinson Law is here to help you understand the divorce process, options, and legal requirements. Attorney Robinson has two decades of experience representing clients in all aspects and variations of divorce, from simple, uncontested, to highly complex cases involving contentious custody and support disputes, complicated marital estates, and LGBT couples.

Call us at (205) 984-1915 or contact us online to set up a consultation with our Birmingham divorce attorney.

“I have personally watched Ms. Robinson in open court, and she is exactly what you want! She is THE quintessential attorney! Don't hesitate to contact her, she will immediately start working and your case, and she won't disappoint!”
- David

Divorce in Alabama

In every Alabama divorce, the issues relevant to the case must be determined before the court can make a final decree. These issues include marital property and debt division, child custody and support, and alimony.

Despite each case's specific details, two main divorce types exist in Alabama. The type you choose will depend on your situation and goals. 

These main categories include:

• Uncontested Divorce. This type of divorce has no disagreements between spouses on all issues relevant to their case. This is generally the least expensive and fastest way to get a divorce.
• Contested Divorce. This type of case has disagreements between spouses that must be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or court hearings. These disputes concern details about one or more issues, such as property and debt division, child support and custody, or alimony. Contested cases take longer, can be more costly due to potential litigation, and may be emotionally highly charged and volatile. 

No matter which type of divorce you choose, you will still need to wait at least 30 days for your divorce to be finalized. 

Alabama Residency Requirements

You can file for divorce anytime if you and your spouse live in the state. However, if your spouse lives in another state, you must have resided in Alabama for six months before filing. 

Grounds for Divorce

“Grounds” for divorce are why you seek to dissolve the marriage. Alabama recognizes "no-fault" divorces, which means the marriage can be ended due to an "irretrievable breakdown" in the relationship with no chance for reconciliation. This allows for a divorce that does not require either party to prove the other’s marital misconduct in court.

No-fault divorces can be much faster and less expensive than fault-based divorces because they can proceed without courtroom intervention. However, for this to occur, you and your spouse must agree on the terms of your divorce, including financial and child-related issues. If any issues are contested, these issues may take time to reach a consensus through negotiation, mediation, or a trial. 

Alabama’s fault-based grounds for divorce include: 

• Physical and incurable incapacitation at the time of the marriage.
• Adultery.
• Habitual drunkenness or drug addiction.
• Emotional or physical abuse.
• Abandonment for at least one year.
• Imprisonment of a spouse for a certain prolonged period.

Such grounds must be proven in court, which require preparation and presentation of your case before a judge. 

The exact length of your divorce will depend on your situation. We can help you figure out how long your divorce will take. Factors that may affect the length of your divorce can include how contentious your divorce is, the number and complexity of the assets you and your spouse have, how many children you have, how much income you and your spouse make, and how flexible you and your spouse are in reaching settlement terms.