How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Birmingham, AL (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Divorcing without a lawyer in Birmingham is absolutely possible — and for many Alabama couples, it’s the fastest and most affordable way to end a marriage. Alabama allows individuals to represent themselves (“pro se”) in divorce cases, and Jefferson County’s Circuit Court offers a well-defined process for completing an uncontested divorce without paying thousands in attorney fees.

We will walk you through all the steps to file for divorce without a lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama. Our guide covers court fees, waiting periods and all of the required forms you need.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Birmingham, AL?

Yes. Many couples in Birmingham complete their divorce without hiring an attorney, especially when the case is uncontested and both spouses agree on major issues.

You may be a good candidate for a DIY divorce if:

• You and your spouse agree on property division, custody, child support, and alimony

• Your finances and assets are simple

• There is low conflict

• You want to avoid attorney fees that typically range $5,000–$15,000+

• You prefer a straightforward, affordable process

For contested or complex cases, hiring an attorney may still be beneficial — but it’s not required for a simple uncontested divorce.

Alabama Requirements for Filing Without a Lawyer

Before filing in Birmingham, you must meet Alabama’s statewide rules.

1. Residency Requirement

You can file if:

• Either spouse has lived in Alabama for at least 6 months, OR

• The defendant spouse lives in Alabama

2. Grounds for Divorce

Most uncontested cases use Alabama’s no-fault ground:

• Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage

Fault grounds exist but are rarely used in DIY cases.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Birmingham — Step by Step

1. Confirm You Have an Uncontested Divorce

To file without a lawyer, both spouses must agree on:

• Division of marital property

• Allocation of debts

• Custody and visitation

• Child support

• Alimony (if requested)

If any issues are unresolved, the case becomes contested and is significantly more complex.

2. Gather Required Jefferson County Divorce Forms

Most Birmingham DIY divorces require:

• Complaint for Divorce

• Summons

• Vital Statistics Form

• Acknowledgment of Representation or Pro Se Status

• Affidavit of Residency

• Settlement Agreement

• Child Support Obligation Income Statement/Affidavit (CS-41)

• Child Support Guidelines (CS-42)

• Child Support Notice of Compliance (CS-43)

• Parenting Plan (if applicable)

• Final Judgment of Divorce

Jefferson County Notes

Jefferson County may require:

• Additional notarizations

• Certified copies of certain forms

• Parenting class completion (depending on judge and case type)

Divorce.com prepares all Alabama + county-compliant forms.

3. File Your Divorce Papers With the Jefferson County Circuit Court

There are two courthouse locations depending on division:

Jefferson County Circuit Court – Birmingham Division

716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N
Birmingham, AL 35203

Jefferson County Circuit Court – Bessemer Division

1851 2nd Ave N
Bessemer, AL 35020

Filing Fee

• Typically $215–$230 depending on division
  Additional costs may include process server fees and certified copies.

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless They Sign an Acceptance of Service)

For uncontested divorces, most couples use:

• Acceptance of Service, signed in front of a notary

Otherwise, service can be completed through:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Certified mail

After service, file the Proof of Service.

5. Exchange Financial Information

Alabama requires each spouse to submit financial documentation, especially in cases involving children.

You may need:

• Income details

• Tax returns

• Pay stubs

• Retirement or investment information

• Monthly expenses

These documents support the fairness of your settlement agreement.

6. Complete Your Settlement Agreement

Your agreement must address:

• Real estate, vehicles, and property

• Bank accounts and retirement assets

• Debts and loans

• Custody and visitation

• Child support (must comply with AL guidelines)

• Alimony

• Insurance and tax responsibilities

Jefferson County judges will not finalize your divorce without a thorough, fair settlement.

Divorce.com provides step-by-step guidance to help couples build a complete agreement.

7. Wait 30 days (Alabama Mandatory Waiting Period)

Many states have a mandatory waiting period also know as a "cooling-off" period. Waiting periods were put in place to ensure couples don't make hasty decisions in divorce. Alabama's is a short 30 days where some states like North Carolina have waiting periods of 1 year.

The judge cannot sign your Final Judgement documents until the waiting period has passed.

8. Submit Final Documents and Await the Judge’s Decision

Once the waiting period ends and all documents are complete:

• The judge reviews your settlement

• Signs the Final Judgment of Divorce

• Issues certified copies upon request

Some judges may require a brief hearing, but most uncontested cases are finalized without one. The judge would be looking for anything egregiously unfair or potentially harmful to children's well-being. In some cases, the judge may reject paperwork due to clerical errors or ambiguity, which is why using a service like Divorce.com can be especially helpful.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Birmingham?

For most couples:

• Fastest: 30–45 days

• Typical: 45–90 days

Cases take longer when:

• Service is delayed

• Forms contain errors

• Financial documentation is incomplete

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Birmingham?

Typical DIY costs include:

• $215–$230 filing fee

• $0–$60 service fees (if your spouse doesn’t sign Acceptance of Service)

• $0 if preparing forms yourself

• $499–$1999 using Divorce.com (forms + complete settlement agreement)

Hiring a divorce lawyer in Birmingham typically costs $5,000–$15,000+.

When You May Still Need a Lawyer

A lawyer may be helpful if:

• There is domestic violence or safety concerns

• A spouse hides assets or income

• You own a business or significant real estate

• Custody issues are highly disputed

• One spouse will not cooperate

But for simple, uncontested cases, most Birmingham residents complete the divorce process without legal representation.

Why Birmingham Couples Choose Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps Alabama families:

• Prepare and submit all required Jefferson County forms to the court

• Provide mediations to help couples reach resolution to build a personalized settlement agreement.

• Our customers avoid errors and filing delays with our team's experience on their side.

• We've helped thousands in Alabama and understand Alabama’s waiting period and service rules

• Our attorney network is available if necessary.

We are the most affordable and efficient way to complete a no-lawyer divorce in Birmingham.

Final Thoughts

The key to divorcing without a lawyer in Birmingham, AL is that both spouses can agree on key terms. Divorce.com can help couples reach agreement using mediation if they do not start the process in agreement. Divorce.com's approach saves couples time, money and unnecessary trauma.