Filing for divorce in Alabama without an attorney costs $250-$300 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in Alabama. Alabama is a equitable distribution state with a 30 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 1-2 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Alabama-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $250-$300 (Filing fees vary by county. Jefferson County (Birmingham): $290. Mobile County: $275. Montgomery County: $265.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Alabama |
| Waiting Period | 30 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Incompatibility (no-fault), Irretrievable breakdown, Voluntary abandonment, Imprisonment, Adultery, Physical violence, Habitual intoxication |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 1-2 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Alabama, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in Alabama.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Alabama for at least 6 months before filing for divorce.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Alabama's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Alabama without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Alabama for at least 6 months before filing for divorce.
Download the official Alabama divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, VS-6 Vital Statistics Form, Child Support Obligation Income Statement. All forms are available from the Alabama courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (CS-41) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Alabama court and pay the filing fee of $250-$300. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Alabama rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Alabama law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Alabama has a 30-day waiting period from the date of filing before the divorce can be finalized. For uncontested divorces where both parties agree, this is typically the minimum timeline.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Alabama, this typically takes 1-2 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Alabama. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce case
Required statistical form
If children involved
If uncontested
The filing fee to start a divorce in Alabama is $250-$300. Filing fees vary by county. Jefferson County (Birmingham): $290. Mobile County: $275. Montgomery County: $265.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $250-$300 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $300-$1,200 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Alabama offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Alabama, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Alabama courts are strict about service requirements.
Alabama is a equitable distribution state.
Alabama is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property fairly based on factors including length of marriage, each spouse's contribution, age and health, future earning capacity, and fault in the breakdown.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Alabama law applies to your specific property.
Alabama uses the Income shares model with Rule 32 guidelines.
Alabama uses Rule 32 guidelines based on the income shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and support is calculated based on the number of children and custody arrangement.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Alabama divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $250-$300 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
30 days - Alabama has a 30-day waiting period from the date of filing before the divorce can be finalized. For uncontested divorces where both parties agree, this is typically the minimum timeline.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Both fault and no-fault grounds available
30-day minimum waiting period
Rule 32 child support guidelines
Retirement benefits divisible as marital property
Post-minority educational support possible
Common questions about filing for divorce in Alabama without an attorney.
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Alabama-specific forms
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Child support calculator
Using Alabama's exact guidelines
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Alabama divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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