Recent Blog Posts
Same-Sex Adoption in Alabama
Alabama has a tepid relationship towards LGBT rights. While Alabama, like all other states, recognizes the right of same-sex couples to marry following the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, the conservative state legislature and courts are often on the lookout for ways to limit the scope of that decision. Read on… Read More »
Who Gets the Dog in an Alabama Divorce?
Divorces are always difficult and often involve contentious fights over specific assets. One common dispute that arises: What happens to the family pet? Illinois recently passed a law that treats pets more like children in a divorce, following on the heels of a similar law in Alaska. Courts in Illinois will now consider the… Read More »
Making a Roommate out of a Former Spouse after an Alabama Divorce
Breaking up isn’t just hard to do—it’s expensive to do. Couples filing for divorce will find themselves facing court costs, attorneys’ fees, and support payments to their former spouse or for their child. On top of these costs come the expenses of living on your own, which could require you to purchase all-new furniture… Read More »
Recent Alabama Law Limits Indefinite Alimony
Effective this year, a law recently went into effect that will impact how and when courts will order alimony in an Alabama divorce. Continue reading for details about the new Alabama alimony law, and contact a qualified and knowledgeable divorce attorney with any additional questions. Alabama House Bill 257: Rehabilitative and Interim Alimony Under… Read More »
My Spouse Won’t Sign the Papers: Contested Divorce in Alabama
It’s a common theme on TV and in Hollywood movies: “My husband/wife won’t sign the papers, so I can’t finalize the divorce!” In reality, you don’t need your spouse’s consent to file for divorce, although it does make the process easier. Alabama has a procedure in place for divorces where the parties can’t agree… Read More »
Recent Changes to Alabama Child Support Calculations May Reduce Support Obligations for Some Parents
The Alabama State Bar recently implemented an amendment to Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration which may reduce the amount owed by some child support payers. Rule 32 governs how child support payments are calculated following a divorce. The amended rule went into effect on June 1, 2018. The rule does… Read More »
The New Tax Law And Estate Tax Considerations in Alabama
In December 2017 President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Act). The new tax law goes into effect this year and may significantly affect estate planning for high net-worth individuals. Under federal law, the estates of decedents who leave behind property may owe an estate and gift tax. … Read More »
New Alabama Law Changes How Retirement Accounts Are Distributed in a Divorce
Filing for divorce is never easy, and wading through the complicated rules for valuing and dividing up different kinds of property is a chore best left to experienced divorce attorneys. Read on to learn about a new law in Alabama that changes how retirement accounts may be distributed in a divorce, and if you… Read More »
Attending a Divorce Hearing? Follow These Tips on Courtroom Etiquette
Unless you’re an attorney or courtroom staffer, going to court isn’t an everyday occurrence. Some of us go our whole lives without stepping foot inside of a courtroom—until we’re forced to appear before an Alabama judge on our divorce case. Don’t be intimidated; it isn’t hard to learn and follow appropriate courtroom etiquette. Plus,… Read More »
Should You Make Installment Payments Part of Your Alabama Divorce Settlement?
It’s never easy to arrive at what feels like a fair division of assets in a divorce. On top of battles over alimony and spouses’ contribution to the couple’s financial state, there is the difficulty of splitting seemingly un-splittable items or investment accounts. For instance, many large assets can’t be divided equally without being… Read More »
