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BEST DIVORCE ATTORNEY DECATUR AL

Decatur AL Divorce Lawyers Near Me

Research shows that more than 50 percent of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. Divorce can be one of the most difficult, confusing, and challenging things you encounter. At the Decatur, Alabama, law firm of Ferguson & Ferguson, we can assist you with divorce, child custody, or any other family law issue. Our firm has helped thousands of Morgan County residents through the Decatur divorce process. We don’t believe in costly, unneeded litigation. There are often much more affordable and effective options to resolve your case. We understand the process, and we are here to make it as easy as possible. At the Law Offices of Ferguson & Ferguson, our Decatur divorce attorneys pride themselves on personally handling every aspect of your case. You deal with an attorney, not a secretary or paralegal. If you are looking for the best divorce attorney in Decatur, Alabama, call now. Call 256-350-7200. We can help.

Types of Decatur Divorce Cases We Handle

Experienced, reliable, and honest legal representation is needed, whether your case is mediated, negotiated in the office, or litigated in court. Our experienced Decatur, Alabama, divorce law attorneys understand. If you or someone close to you is considering or going through a divorce in Decatur, Alabama, we can help. Our firm can help if you need representation for the following:

  • Contested Divorce
  • Mediated Divorce
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • High Net Worth Divorce
  • Divorce Decree Modifications
  • Support, Alimony, or Child Support
  • Legal Separation
  • Domestic Violence & Abuse
  • Father’s Rights
  • Grandparent’s Rights
  • Paternity
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Child Custody
  • Property Division
  • Debt Division
  • Child visitation
  • Maintenance
  • Modifications
  • Post-Decree Matters

What are the requirements for filing a divorce in Decatur, Alabama?

To file for divorce, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of 6 months before initiating the divorce process. If both spouses are residents of Alabama, a divorce can be filed at any time. If the defendant is a resident of Alabama but the plaintiff is not, a divorce can be filed at any time.

The divorce complaint must be filed in the appropriate county within Alabama. There is a mandatory 30-day waiting period between the formal filing of the divorce and the issuance of the final divorce decree by the court. In Alabama, divorce proceedings are considered civil actions and are overseen by a judge. The judge presiding over the case will be responsible for determining matters such as child custody, child support, alimony, and property division if the spouses are unable to reach an agreement on these issues.

What is Custody Law?

Custody law in Decatur, AL, refers to the legal process that determines which parent or guardian will be responsible for the care of a minor child. Custody can be awarded to a parent, grandparent, or another family member, giving them the authority to make decisions about the child’s welfare and where the child will live. There are two main types of custody: physical custody, which allows the custodial parent to have the child live with them, and legal custody, which gives the custodial parent the authority to make important decisions regarding the child’s education and medical care. Depending on the circumstances, custody arrangements can involve sole physical custody, joint legal custody, or shared physical and legal custody between the parents.

What do Decatur Divorce and Custody Lawyers Consider in Custody Cases?

When it comes to handling a custody case, Decatur, AL, custody lawyers consider several factors to ensure the best outcome for the child and all parties involved. These factors may include the age of the children, the existing custody arrangement, both parents’ work schedules, the relationship between the parents, and the relationship between the children and the other parent. Additionally, any history of domestic violence or abuse will be thoroughly evaluated. By considering these details, custody lawyers can navigate the case with care and sensitivity to achieve the most favorable outcome for everyone involved.

How is property divided by spouses in Alabama?

In Alabama, property division is guided by the principle of equitable distribution. This means that the court aims to divide marital property in a manner that is deemed fair, taking into account various factors such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions to the marital assets, and the financial situations of the parties involved. It is crucial to understand that only marital property is subject to division; this includes assets acquired during the marriage. Separate property, such as gifts or inheritances received by one spouse, is typically not subject to division. For guidance on navigating property division in your divorce proceedings, our skilled Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama, family law attorneys are available to assist.

What are the grounds for a Decatur divorce in Alabama?

A Decatur divorce may be granted for any of the following reasons:

  • Adultery: Your spouse cheats on you.
  • Abandonment: Your spouse has left you for a period of at least one year immediately before filing for divorce.
  • Imprisonment: Spouse is imprisoned for two years and the sentence is seven years or longer.
  • Addiction: Spouse becomes addicted to alcohol or drugs after getting married.
  • Incompatible: Spouses are completely incompatible and cannot live together.
  • A mentally ill spouse has been confined to a mental hospital for five years in a row and is incurably insane.
  • Breakdown of Marriage: Complete breakdown of the marriage and reconciliation is impractical or pointless and not in the best interest of the spouses or the children.
  • Pregnancy: Husband files because wife was pregnant at the time of the marriage and he is not the father of the child.
  • Impotent: At the time of the marriage, your spouse was impotent, which is explained in the law as “physically and incurably incapacitated from entering into the marriage state”.

Can I get temporary alimony while the December divorce is pending?

In Alabama, it is possible to receive temporary alimony, also known as spousal support, while a divorce is pending. The judge takes various factors into consideration when making this decision, including the financial situation of both spouses, the standard of living during the marriage, the earning potential of each spouse, future prospects, age, sex, social position, length of the marriage, and the conduct of the parties related to the cause of the divorce. This temporary alimony can be ordered until the divorce is finalized.

Can I get alimony once the divorce is finalized in Decatur, Alabama?

Once the divorce is finalized, alimony can be granted, depending on various factors. The type of payments and the factors considered by the judge may vary, but in general, the judge will consider the length of the marriage, the age, health, and social position of each spouse, each spouse’s future prospects, the property owned by each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, and the fault of the spouses related to the cause of the divorce. Alimony will be terminated if the spouse receiving alimony remarries or openly “cohabitates” with a romantic partner.

How can Ferguson & Ferguson help with divorce?

A divorce attorney can offer vital assistance to individuals navigating the complexities of divorce. With our extensive experience in representing clients in divorce cases, our divorce attorneys understand the challenges involved in the process. Divorce can be emotionally draining and difficult, particularly when it comes to crucial aspects like asset division, child support, and custody arrangements.

By seeking help from a divorce attorney, individuals going through a divorce can benefit from compassionate guidance that aims to make the process as smooth as possible. Our attorneys provide knowledgeable support and effective representation to help individuals achieve the best possible outcome for their divorce proceedings. If you or a loved one is contemplating divorce, reaching out to a divorce attorney at Ferguson & Ferguson can provide the assistance needed to navigate this challenging time with care and expertise.

What is the Divorce Law Near Me?

The divorce laws in Alabama are the same in each county. The residency requirements, grounds for divorce and alimony rules are the same know matter where your divorce is filed. That does not mean every judge will rule the same way or not. Each county may have different filing requirements

Free Consultation With a Decatur Divorce Lawyer

When you decide to work with a divorce lawyer or custody lawyer in Decatur, AL, at Ferguson & Ferguson, you can expect a range of benefits. Our Decatur divorce team will carefully listen to your situation and provide you with a clear understanding of the legal options available to you. We will explain the custody process in detail, ensuring that you are well informed and prepared for what lies ahead. Additionally, our dedicated lawyers will vigorously advocate for your parental rights and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your family.

If you are looking for the best divorce attorney near me in Morgan County, Alabama, look no further. At the law firm of Ferguson & Ferguson, we offer free initial consultations on all family law matters. If you have questions regarding an uncontested divorce, contested divorce, child custody case, child support case, or any other family law case, please call 256-350-7200 to schedule your free consultation. Lawyers near me divorce.

Locations of Best Decatur, AL, divorce lawyers near me

Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street, NE
Decatur, AL 35601

Family Lawyers Near Me | Family Attorney Near Me | Divorce Lawyers Near Me
Divorce Lawyers Decatur AL

You cannot get any better than Jackie.

“You cannot get any better than Jackie. Completely professional, fair, understanding and trustworthy. We were facing an almost impossible situation but with Jackie’s tenacity and God’s grace it all turned in our favor. I highly recommend Jackie Ferguson Graham.”

- Shane

Very professional and courteous.

“Very professional and courteous. They kept me informed and walked things through step by step. Took care of my case in a timely manner as well. I’m very pleased.”

- Joshua

He is nothing but the best.

“Randy took good care of our son in his case. He is nothing but the best. If You ever need someone who you can count on to do his best for you, he is the one to pick. Thank You for your fine job!”

- Steph

I would highly recommend working with this firm.

“I can’t say enough good about working with Ms. Jackie Graham Ferguson. She was very professional, personable, and seemed to really care. Her knowledge within her field of expertise, coupled with her years of experience, are evident from the first minute you begin talking to her. I would highly recommend working with this firm. A+++++”

- Michael Matthews

She always made herself available.

“Mrs. Ferguson is a outstanding , knowledgeable, and honest attorney. She was there when my family was at its lowest and has never wavered. She always made herself available. She was dedicated to our case and worked hard. I would recommend Jackie with out hesitation for any legal matters. My family will always turn to her, and will be as dedicated to her as she was to us.”

- Joseph Morgan
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