Experienced Divorce Representation
Even if you fight daily with your spouse, you know that engaging in divorce will not offer a quick fix to marital problems. There are documents to file and agreements to negotiate, among other necessary tasks. When children are affected by divorce or separation, more complications arise. Working with Agricola Law, LLC, helps reduce the burden of these responsibilities and ensure that your best interests are supported throughout the proceedings.
Providing Award-Winning Representation For Unique Divorce Issues
Founded by principal attorney Barbi Agricola and accompanied by attorney Al Agricola, our Opelika firm offers knowledgeable counsel to residents in Alabama and Georgia. We understand that your family law concerns are sensitive in nature, which is why we take pride in the compassionate counsel we provide to all of our clients. In the courtroom or during negotiations, however, we will aggressively advocate on your behalf. You will benefit from our high-quality advocacy when we represent your interests in various divorce matters, including:
- Facilitating complex divorce proceedings, including contested divorce and high-asset divorce
- Negotiating, enforcing and modifying child custody and visitation disputes
- Negotiating, enforcing and modifying child support and alimony agreements
- Dividing assets and property
When you want attentive legal guidance and optimal results, turn to Agricola Law in the Auburn and Montgomery areas. Providing award-winning representation for unique divorce issues Barbi has received commendations from nationally recognized organizations such as Martindale-Hubbell* and Super Lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Divorce
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about Alabama divorce proceedings and legal requirements:
What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in Alabama?
To file for divorce in Alabama, you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months before filing the divorce petition. The divorce must be filed in the county where either you or your spouse resides.
What are the grounds for divorce in Alabama?
Alabama recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. The most common no-fault ground is incompatibility of temperament, which means you and your spouse cannot get along and the marriage cannot be saved.
Fault-based grounds include adultery, abandonment for one year, imprisonment for two years with a sentence of seven years or more, addiction to alcohol or drugs, confinement in a mental hospital for five consecutive years, and physical violence or reasonable apprehension of physical violence.
Is there a waiting period in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama has a mandatory 30-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed until the divorce can be finalized. This waiting period applies to all divorces, regardless of whether they are contested or uncontested.
During this 30-day period, the court cannot grant a final divorce decree, even if both parties agree to all terms. However, the court can address temporary issues such as child custody, support and use of marital property if necessary.
What happens if my spouse doesn’t respond to the divorce filing?
If your spouse fails to respond to the divorce filing within 30 days of being served, the court may grant a default judgment, allowing the divorce to proceed without their input. This means the court can grant the divorce and make decisions about property division, child custody and support based solely on the information you provided in your petition.
Before granting a default judgment, the court must ensure your spouse was properly served with the divorce papers. If the default judgment is granted, your spouse may have a limited time to challenge the court’s decisions.
The People We Fight For
We are respected members of the legal communities of Opelika, Auburn, Phenix City, Valley, Lanett, Beulah, Salem, Smith Station and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as Columbus, Georgia. Our attorneys regularly represent clients in courts in Russell County, Lee County, Chambers County, Macon County, Randolph County, Montgomery County, Tallapoosa County, Elmore County and Autauga County, Alabama, and Muscogee County, Harris County and Troup County, Georgia.
Call Now; Don’t Wait
Clients regularly refer our legal services because they value our large law firm’s skill set and boutique firm attentiveness. Consult with us today to learn how we can help you during negotiation, mediation or litigation. Call 334-610-1064 or fill out our contact form now.