Pell City Divorce Lawyers

At The Harris Firm, LLC, our Pell City divorce attorney is a skilled, sophisticated advocate for clients. With deep experience handling both contested and uncontested divorce cases, we put a strong emphasis on helping our clients find collaborative and cost-effective solutions. Have questions about divorce in St. Clair County? We are here to help. Contact us today to arrange your strictly confidential, no commitment initial consultation with a top Pell City divorce lawyer.

Getting divorce in Pell City? There are two broad categories of divorce. Which category your case falls into will be determined based on whether or not you and your spouse can reach a settlement: 

• Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce involves a mutual agreement between spouses on all aspects of their separation. It streamlines the divorce process. 
• Contested Divorce: Broadly explained, a contested divorce refers to a case where spouses have unresolved conflicts that must be adjudicated by an Alabama court.

Divorce is hard. The uncontested divorce process can be a little easier—especially when compared to the challenges of a trial. Most people who get divorced in Pell City can benefit from an uncontested agreement. Compared to litigation, a settlement can save time, money, and stress.

Getting divorced in Pell City or elsewhere in St. Clair County? Your case is governed by Alabama law. Our state has some specific rules and regulations in place that govern the process, your rights, and your responsibilities. Here are some of the issues that you should be aware of:

• You Must Meet the Residency Requirement: You can file for divorce in Alabama even if you and your spouse got married while living in another state. However, you must satisfy our state’s residency standard (Ala. Code § 30-2-5). You should file in the county of residence. If you live in Pell City, you may file for divorce in St. Clair County. 

• You Can File for a No-Fault Divorce: Most divorces in Alabama are no-fault divorces. In effect, this means that you are not required to prove that your spouse did something wrong in order to be eligible to get a divorce. Instead, you can end your marriage in Pell City on the no-fault grounds of irreconcilable differences 

• Your Marital Assets are Subject to Equitable Distribution: Dividing property and assets is one of the main challenges of a divorce case. The more you have in assets, the more difficult it will be to fairly split up property. Alabama is an equitable distribution state. If a divorce case goes to court, assets will be split in a “fair” manner.
• Your Custody Rights are Determined By Best Interests of the Child: The principle of the best interests of the child dominates custody decisions in Alabama (Ala. Code § 30-3-152). In a custody and visitation case, an Alabama court will carefully consider what will best serve the child’s health, safety, and well-being.

Securing a divorce in Alabama is about a lot more than just completing and submitting some forms. Although getting a divorce requires meeting all procedural requirements—and getting the paperwork right—the process is also about setting your finances up for a better future.

 At The Harris Firm, LLC, we are a boutique family law firm that is committed to providing detail-driven, personalized support to our clients. We handle the full range family law matters that can arise during the divorce process in Pell City, including: 

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

Preparing for a divorce in St. Clair County? You likely have a ton of questions about your rights and your options. The Harris Firm, LLC is a family law firm that is devoted to protecting the best interests of our clients. The reviews from our clients tell the story best. When you contact our team, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Pell City divorce lawyer who can: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about your rights; 
• Gather your documents/records and take care of the divorce paperwork; and
• Develop a personalized strategy focused on securing the best outcome.

When Should I Consult With a Divorce Attorney?

The earlier, the better. You should consult with a divorce attorney as soon as you consider divorce as an option or if you believe your spouse might be considering it. A Pell City, AL divorce attorney can provide critical guidance on your rights, your responsibilities, your options, and what comes next. 

What is Flat-Fee Divorce Representation?

Flat-fee divorce representation is a payment arrangement where a lawyer charges a set fee for handling your divorce instead of billing by the hour. It is a type of fee structure that can provide clarity and predictability in costs. Our firm provides the most affordable flat-fee divorce representation for uncontested divorces in Pell City. 

Is There a Waiting Period for Divorce in Alabama?

Yes. Your divorce cannot be finalized on the same day in Alabama. The state requires a 30-day waiting period from the filing date of the divorce petition before the divorce can be finalized. Still,  uncontested divorces in St. Clair County are regularly finalized within a few months. 

Do I Need to Serve Divorce Papers On My Spouse?

Yes. Unless you and your spouse are filing for divorce together, you are required to serve divorce papers on your spouse to officially notify them of the impending divorce proceedings. Service can be done through various methods, such as by sheriff or a private process server. 

At The Harris Firm, LLC, our Pell City divorce attorney provides solutions-focused family law advocacy to clients. Have questions about your case? We are here to help. Give us a call at (205) 201-1789 or contact us online to set up your completely confidential initial case review. We provide uncontested and contested divorce services in Pell City and throughout all of St. Clair County.