Category Archives: Family Law

Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

When selecting a law firm to handle your divorce, there are several factors to consider. The first factors you may understandably think of are the attorney’s reputation and record. But something that does not get discussed as often is the attorney’s fee structure. It is important to ask about this, as law firms differ on …

Continue reading "Flat Fee v. Retainer for Divorce"

Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

At least nineteen (19) states have some kind of mandatory parenting class required that parents of minor children must take as part of the divorce process. In Alabama, legislation has been unsuccessfully proposed in recent years making parenting classes mandatory. Currently in Alabama, each County’s Circuit Court has discretion to order parenting classes or not. …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

The short answer is yes. You do not have to hire a local family law attorney to obtain a divorce in Alabama. You are allowed represent yourself. An uncontested divorce, also called no fault divorce, is generally less expensive and is processed through the courts quicker than contested divorces. These factors make filing an uncontested …

Continue reading "Can I do My Own Divorce?"

Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

A Settlement Agreement a written contract used to formally lay out how you will divide your marital property, your rights, and other matters like alimony and custody after you are divorced. The settlement agreement is what makes an uncontested divorce uncontested. Your local divorce attorney files it with the other documents to initiate your case. …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

Divorces in Alabama are handled by the Alabama Circuit Courts. Each county courthouse has a circuit court. These are the state’s trial courts of general jurisdiction that hear civil and criminal cases, and they have jurisdiction over divorces. If a divorce is contested, the trial takes place before the circuit judge. However, if a divorce …

Continue reading "What happens at a Contested Divorce Trial?"