Mountain Brook Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is never easy. Even if you know it is the right decision for your future and your family, there are still many complex issues that need to be resolved. At The Harris Firm, LLC, our Mountain Brook divorce attorney provides top-tier, fully personalized legal representation to clients. We take on the full range of family law matters—from property division to child custody. Have specific questions about your options? Contact our law firm today to set up your strictly confidential, no obligation initial consultation with an experienced Mountain Brook divorce attorney.

You have two broad options for going through the divorce process in Mountain Brook:

• Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce is a settled divorce. It is an option for couples who have reached agreements on all marital issues and will just need to fill out paperwork and provide certain documents to proceed. Most divorces in Mountain brook are uncontested, no-fault divorces. 
• Contested Divorce: A contested divorce is one in which a county court needs to weigh in to resolve one or more key matters. Notably, contested divorces are much more costly and take much longer than uncontested divorces. With that being said, if no agreement can be reached it is the only way to get awarded what you need by the judge.

With family law cases, amicable solutions are generally best. Divorce is no exception. When possible, divorcing couples can benefit from an uncontested divorce. It can save a lot of time and money.

Getting divorced in Mountain Brook? Your case will be handled in a county court in Jefferson County. Alabama law governs that case. Here are key things to know about how Alabama law operates:

• Residency Matters: You can get divorced in Mountain Brook even if you originally tied the knot in another state. However, under (Ala. Code § 30-2-5), one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months. This is the residency requirement.
• No Fault for Most Divorces: Alabama offers both fault-based divorce and no-fault divorce as an option. Notably, the vast majority of divorces in the state are no-fault divorces. It is generally a less contentious, more straightforward, and more future-focused option.
• Splitting Assets (Equitable Distribution): Alabama follows the equitable distribution principle for dividing marital property during a divorce. Along with other things, the court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to family, and spouse’s future financial needs.
• Determining Custody (Best Interests): In Alabama, the best interests of the child are paramount when making custody decisions in a divorce (Ala. Code § 30-3-152). It is a comprehensive legal standard designed to prioritize the health, safety, well-being, and social development of the child.

Divorce is about family. At The Harris Firm, LLC, we are prepared to provide truly comprehensive family law support. Indeed, our services extend beyond filling out forms. We are here to guide you through every aspect of the divorce process in Jefferson County. Our emphasis is on achieving amicable solutions where possible. We are trial-tested, but we know that uncontested divorce is almost always for the best. Our Mountain Brook divorce attorneys have experience with:

• Property division; 
• Debt division; 
• Spousal support; 
• Child custody/visitation; and
• Child support.

With a divorce, it is crucial that you have the right advocate on your side. Our founder and lead lawyer Steven A. Harris regularly files divorces in Jefferson County and is a member of the local Birmingham Bar Association. We provide proactive, solutions-focused advocacy in every aspect of your case. Along with other things, our Mountain Brook divorce lawyer is ready to:

• Listen to what you have to say and answer your family law questions;
• Handle the divorce paperwork—with a focus on the key details;
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations with your spouse; and
• Develop a comprehensive, personalized divorce strategy.

What is the Leading Cause of Divorce in Alabama?

People get divorced for a wide range of different reasons. Poor communication, general incompatibility, loss of romance, infidelity, and financial problems are all often cited as factors. However, from a legal perspective, the leading cause of divorce in Alabama is irreconcilable differences. Most divorce in our state are uncontested, no-fault divorces.

Can We File for Divorce in Mountain Brook if We Got Married in Another State?

Yes. You can still file for divorce in Mountain Brook, Alabama, even if you were married in another state. The key requirement is that at least one spouse meets Alabama’s residency criteria. As long as one spouse lived in the state for at least six months, you can file for divorce.

How Long Should I Expect the Divorce Process to Take?

It depends. On the short end of the spectrum, an uncontested divorce can be finalized within as little as a few months. There is only a 30-day waiting period in Alabama once your uncontested divorce settlement is filed. On the other hand, a contested (litigated) divorce can take more than a year.

How Do Flat Fee Divorce Services Work?

Flat fee divorce services involve paying a set fee upfront that covers all legal representation for a divorce case. The Harris Firm, LLC provides affordable flat-fee divorce services for uncontested divorces in Mountain Brook. We are committed to making your divorce as affordable as possible.