How much does it cost to file for divorce in Alabama?

Filing fees vary by county in Alabama. Court filing fees typically range from $75 to $450 depending on which of Alabama's 67 counties you file in. Check your specific county page for exact filing fees.

How long does it take to get divorced in Alabama?

Alabama requires 30 days waiting period after filing. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2-4 months, while contested cases can take 6-18 months or longer depending on the complexity and the county's court calendar.

What is the residency requirement for divorce in Alabama?

To file for divorce in Alabama, you need 6 months residency. This applies statewide across all 67 counties. If you don't meet this requirement yet, you must wait until you do before filing your divorce petition.

What if my spouse lives in another county or state?

You can still file for divorce in Alabama as long as you meet the residency requirement of 6 months. You can file in your county even if your spouse lives elsewhere. You'll need to properly serve your spouse according to Alabama's rules for out-of-county or out-of-state service.

Are divorce records public in Alabama?

Yes, divorce records are generally public in Alabama and can be accessed through the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was filed. However, you can request that certain sensitive information be sealed or redacted from public view.

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Alabama Divorce by County: Complete Guide for All 67 Counties

Filing for divorce in Alabama requires you to file in the county where you or your spouse meets the residency requirement. Each of Alabama's 67 counties has its own Circuit Court with different filing fees, local rules, and procedures. Understanding your county's specific requirements can save you time, money, and frustration.

About This Guide

This comprehensive Alabama county divorce guide provides detailed information about filing for divorce in each of Alabama's 67 counties. We maintain current filing fees, court contact information, and local rules to help Alabama residents understand their local divorce process.

Last Updated: February 2026

Why County-Specific Information Saves You Money

Avoid Rejected Filings
Each county in Alabama has specific formatting requirements, caption styles, and required forms. Using county-correct documents the first time avoids rejection and refiling fees.

Budget Accurately
Knowing your exact filing fee, service costs, and required class fees lets you budget precisely. No surprises.

Choose the Right Approach
Some counties have excellent self-help centers that make DIY divorce easier. Others have complex e-filing systems where professional help is worth it. County-specific knowledge helps you decide.

Find Free Resources
Many counties offer free mediation for low-income residents, law library access, or pro bono attorney consultations. You won't know about these unless you check your county's specific resources.

Professional Help with Your Alabama Divorce

Whether you choose to work with an attorney or use an online divorce service, professional assistance can help you navigate your county's specific requirements and avoid costly mistakes. Online divorce services provide affordable alternatives to traditional attorneys for uncontested cases, with county-specific forms and filing assistance.

Alabama Divorce Requirements (Statewide)

While county procedures differ, these requirements apply across all 67 Alabama counties:

Residency: 6 months before filing.

Grounds: Alabama allows no-fault divorce, meaning you don't need to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage.

Waiting Period: 30 days after filing.

Property Division: Alabama follows equitable distribution rules, meaning property is divided fairly based on various factors (not necessarily equally).

Child Custody: Alabama courts focus on the child's best interests when determining custody and parenting time.

Common Questions About Alabama County Divorce Filings

Which county should I file in?

You must file in the county where either you or your spouse meets the residency requirement. In Alabama, you need 6 months residency before filing. If you both live in Alabama but in different counties, you can typically choose to file in either county.

Can I file in a different county to save on filing fees?

No. You must meet the residency requirement for the county where you file. You cannot simply choose the cheapest county. However, if you're planning to move and haven't filed yet, establishing residency in a county with lower fees could save you money.

Do I need to appear in court in person?

Many Alabama counties now allow some hearings to be conducted remotely via Zoom or phone, especially for uncontested divorces. However, policies vary by county and judge. Check your specific county's rules or ask the clerk's office.

What if my spouse lives in another state?

You can still file for divorce in Alabama as long as you meet the residency requirement of 6 months. You'll need to serve your spouse according to Alabama's rules for out-of-state service.

RETAINER FEE  
PETITION    

COURT FILING FEE  SUMMONS  
AFFIDAVIT
  MOTIONS  
ARGUMENTS  
TEMPORARY ORDERS  HEARINGS  
SUBPOENAS
  DEPOSITIONS
  SETTLEMENT  CONFERENCES  JUDGEMENT

    TRIAL  
APPEALS

What You'll Find on Each County Page

Every county page includes:

✅ Current filing fees for divorce petitions
✅ Circuit Court contact information (address, phone, website)
✅ Clerk of Courts office hours and location
✅ Electronic filing requirements (if applicable)
✅ Local court rules specific to that county
✅ Mediation and parenting class requirements
✅ Self-help resources available at the courthouse
✅ Legal Aid eligibility and contact information
✅ Average attorney costs in that county
✅ Links to county-specific forms and resources

Why County-Specific Information Matters

While Alabama divorce law is consistent statewide, the practical details of filing vary significantly by county:

Filing Fees Vary Widely
Court filing fees can vary by $100-$200 or more between counties in Alabama. Knowing your county's exact fee helps you budget accurately.

Local Court Rules Differ
Some counties require mediation for custody cases. Others have mandatory parenting classes before your final hearing. Many counties now require electronic filing while others still accept paper documents.

Processing Times Vary
Urban counties with larger populations have more judges and staff, but also higher caseloads. Rural counties may process simple cases faster but have fewer hearing dates available.

Local Resources Available
Most Alabama counties offer self-help centers, free legal aid eligibility, and court-sponsored mediation programs. Knowing what's available in your county can significantly reduce your costs.

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Real Answers. Real Support.

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Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
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Written By:

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Alabama Divorce by County: Complete Guide for All 67 Counties

Why County-Specific Information Matters

While Alabama divorce law is consistent statewide, the practical details of filing vary significantly by county:

Filing Fees Vary Widely
Court filing fees can vary by $100-$200 or more between counties in Alabama. Knowing your county's exact fee helps you budget accurately.

What You'll Find on Each County Page

Every county page includes:

Common Questions About Alabama County Divorce Filings

Which county should I file in?

Can I file in a different county to save on filing fees?

Do I need to appear in court in person?

What if my spouse lives in another state?

You can still file for divorce in Alabama as long as you meet the residency requirement of 6 months. You'll need to serve your spouse according to Alabama's rules for out-of-state service.

Alabama Divorce Requirements (Statewide)

While county procedures differ, these requirements apply across all 67 Alabama counties:

Residency: 6 months before filing.

Grounds: Alabama allows no-fault divorce, meaning you don't need to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage.

Waiting Period: 30 days after filing.

Property Division: Alabama follows equitable distribution rules, meaning property is divided fairly based on various factors (not necessarily equally).

Child Custody: Alabama courts focus on the child's best interests when determining custody and parenting time.

Professional Help with Your Alabama Divorce

Why County-Specific Information Saves You Money

Budget Accurately
Knowing your exact filing fee, service costs, and required class fees lets you budget precisely. No surprises.

About This Guide

Last Updated: February 2026

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

$1,999

Get started

Featured Article
The Ultimate Guide
to Getting Started in Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
Divorce Process with Divorce.com
Read more

Real Answers. Real Support.

Read the blog

Our Services

Paperwork Only

Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.

Get started

We File For You

Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.

Get started

Fully Guided

Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.

Get started

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

Get started

The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.

Proudly featured in these publications

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alabama

Alabama Divorce by County: Complete Guide for All 67 Counties

About This Guide

Why County-Specific Information Saves You Money

Professional Help with Your Alabama Divorce

Alabama Divorce Requirements (Statewide)

Common Questions About Alabama County Divorce Filings

Which county should I file in?

Can I file in a different county to save on filing fees?

Do I need to appear in court in person?

What if my spouse lives in another state?

What You'll Find on Each County Page

Why County-Specific Information Matters

Other Articles:

Other Articles:

Real Answers. Real Support.

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Your Divorce

10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce

Divorce Process with Divorce.com

Real Answers. Real Support.

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Your Divorce

10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce

Divorce Process with Divorce.com

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

Divorce.com

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

Divorce.com

Our Services

POPULAR

Our Services

POPULAR

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

Jen B.

Brandy D.

Dianna R.

Andelain R.

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

Jen B.

Brandy D.

Dianna R.

Andelain R.

Alabama Divorce by County: Complete Guide for All 67 Counties

Why County-Specific Information Matters

What You'll Find on Each County Page

Common Questions About Alabama County Divorce Filings

Which county should I file in?

Can I file in a different county to save on filing fees?

Do I need to appear in court in person?

What if my spouse lives in another state?

Alabama Divorce Requirements (Statewide)

Professional Help with Your Alabama Divorce

Why County-Specific Information Saves You Money

About This Guide

Other Articles:

Other Articles:

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

Divorce.com

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Your Divorce

10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce

Divorce Process with Divorce.com

Real Answers. Real Support.

Our Services

Paperwork Only

POPULAR

We File For You

Fully Guided

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

Jen B.

Brandy D.

Dianna R.

Andelain R.

The Ultimate Guide
to Getting Started in Your Divorce