The Harris Firm Blog

Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

You do not have to hire a lawyer to obtain an uncontested divorce in Alabama. You are allowed to represent yourself. However, with an uncontested divorce, also called no-fault divorce, hiring an attorney is generally less expensive since it is processed through the courts quicker than contested divorces and there are usually not any hearings. …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued their decision in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges. In a 5-4 ruling, the Court decided that the right to marry is a fundamental right that is guaranteed to same sex couples under the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

When one spouse files for divorce, the legal process officially begins once the other spouse is served with divorce papers. At that point, the receiving spouse, known as the Defendant, must decide how to respond. One of the most important steps in this process is filing an Answer. The Answer is a formal legal document …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

Paternity plays a critical role in many Alabama divorce cases involving children. It determines the legal relationship between a father and a child, which directly affects custody, visitation, and financial responsibilities. When a married couple with children decides to file for divorce, paternity is often presumed. However, in certain situations, questions about paternity may arise, …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

When a divorce case reaches its conclusion, the court issues a document known as a divorce decree. This document is the official order that legally ends the marriage and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties moving forward. Many people assume that once the paperwork is filed, the divorce is complete. However, a divorce …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

Resuming a Maiden Name After Divorce in Alabama For many individuals, divorce marks a transition into a new chapter of life. One of the most common decisions after a divorce is whether to resume a former or maiden name. In Alabama, the law provides a relatively straightforward process for individuals who wish to restore a …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

Understanding the Testimony of Plaintiff in Alabama Divorce Cases When someone files for divorce in Alabama, the person initiating the case is called the Plaintiff, while the other spouse is referred to as the Defendant. During the divorce process, the Plaintiff must provide certain information to the court confirming the details of the marriage and …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

When parents go through a divorce in Alabama, there are often additional documents required beyond the basic divorce paperwork. One of the most important of these in certain counties is the custody affidavit. This document is especially important in cases involving minor children and can become a required part of the filing process in both …

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Posted by Steven A. Harris | Divorce

Understanding the Alabama Relocation Act Relocating after a divorce can be complicated, especially when children are involved. Alabama law recognizes that moving a child can significantly affect the relationship between the child and the other parent. To address this issue, the state adopted the Alabama Parent-Child Relationship Protection Act, commonly called the Alabama Relocation Act. …

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