Helena Divorce Lawyers

Going through a divorce is never easy. It is a painstaking process that can quickly become time-consuming, complicated and stressful. You do not have to take on the process alone. At The Harris Firm, LLC, our Helena divorce attorney is an experienced, knowledgeable advocate for clients. We are committed to helping people find amicable, cost effective family law solutions whenever possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights, our firm is here to help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a top Helena, AL divorce attorney.

As a starting point, it is useful to understand that divorces in Helena fit into two broad categories.

• Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce is a settled divorce. If you and your spouse want a quick and cheap divorce in Helena, we recommend an uncontested divorce. This option works for couples who have reached agreements on all marital issues and will just need to fill out paperwork and provide certain documents to proceed. 
• Contested Divorce: A contested divorce is a litigated divorce. It is one in which the couple is unable to reach a settlement on one of or more material family law matters. While we encourage uncontested divorces whenever possible since it is a much simpler process, our divorce attorneys also handle contested divorces in Helena.

To avoid unnecessary, drawn-out litigation, our Helena divorce lawyers strongly recommend filing for uncontested divorce whenever possible. It is the best answer for most divorcing couples.

Divorce cases are brought under state law. If you are getting a divorce in Helena, it is crucial that you have a general understanding of Alabama law. Here are four key points to keep in mind:

• Residency: In Alabama, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state for a minimum of six months before filing for divorce (Ala. Code § 30-2-5). Proof of residency can be established through various documents—such as a driver’s license or utility bills.

• No Fault: Alabama allows for “no-fault” divorce. Either spouse can file for divorce without proving the other spouse’s wrongdoing. Common grounds for a no-fault divorce include incompatibility, irretrievable marital breakdown, and voluntary separation for over a year. 

• Equitable Distribution: Similar to most but not all jurisdictions, Alabama follows the principle of equitable distribution. Marital property is divided fairly—though not necessarily equally—between spouses.
• Best Interests of the Child: Parents in Helena that get divorced must work out issues related to custody/visitation. Alabama is a best interests of the child state (Ala. Code § 30-3-152). Custody is based on prioritizing the child’s health, safety, and welfare.

Although divorce is a paperwork-intensive process, it is about a lot more than simply filling out some forms. Divorce is about securing your future. At The Harris Firm, LLC, we do more than just complete paperwork. Our mission is to guide you through the divorce process with an emphasis on finding amicable solutions whenever possible. While we are seasoned litigators, we understand that most divorcing couples benefit from resolving issues outside of court. Our firm handles all types family law issues in Helena, AL including:

• Asset/debt division; 
• Spousal support;
• Child custody; 
• Child visitation; and
• Child support.

Although divorce is a paperwork-intensive process, it is about a lot more than simply filling out some forms. Divorce is about securing your future. At The Harris Firm, LLC, we do more than just complete paperwork. Our mission is to guide you through the divorce process with an emphasis on finding amicable solutions whenever possible. While we are seasoned litigators, we understand that most divorcing couples benefit from resolving issues outside of court. Our firm handles all types family law issues in Helena, AL including:

• Asset/debt division; 
• Spousal support;
• Child custody; 
• Child visitation; and
• Child support.

Divorce is complicated. The right attorney can make the difference. Our founder Steven A. Harris is a member of the local Birmingham Bar Association and the Central Alabama Better Business Bureau. We are committed to helping people find cost-effective family law solutions. Along with other things, our Helena divorce lawyer is prepared to:

• Hear what you have to say and answer your legal questions;
• Help you gather all relevant financial documents and records; 
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations; and
• Handle the divorce paperwork and provide solutions-focused support.

Does Alabama Have a Mandatory Waiting Period for a Divorce?

Yes. Alabama requires a mandatory waiting period of 30 days from the date the divorce complaint is filed before the divorce can be finalized. The waiting period is intended to give couples a chance to reconsider the decision. Still, many divorces can be finalized in a relatively short period of time.

Should I Consider Divorce Mediation?

Yes—at least if you and your spouse have not already reached a full settlement agreement for your divorce. Divorce mediation is highly recommended as it allows both parties to negotiate terms amicably with the help of a neutral mediator. It can reduce conflict and costs associated with traditional court proceedings. It is a path towards a cost-effective uncontested divorce.

When Will Spousal Support Be Awarded in Alabama?

Spousal support, or alimony, is awarded in Alabama based on a court’s assessment of one spouse’s financial need and the other spouse’s ability to pay. It is generally considered in cases where there is a significant disparity in earning capacities, especially for longer marriages. The decision to award spousal support also takes into account factors such as the duration of the marriage, each party’s financial resources, and their standard of living during the marriage. It is always case-by-case.

What is Flat Fee Divorce Representation?

Flat-fee divorce representation is a payment structure where a lawyer charges a set rate for handling a divorce rather than billing by the hour. Not only does it make fees more predictable, flat-fee divorce representation is generally far less expensive. At The Harris Firm, LLC, we provide flat fee divorce services for uncontested divorce cases in Helena. By doing so, we can help people get divorced in the absolute cheapest possible manner.

At The Harris Firm, LLC, our Helena divorce lawyer provides the solutions-focused, well-rounded family law advocacy that you can trust when it matters the most. Have questions about divorce? Call us at (205) 201-1789 or connect with us online for your completely confidential initial appointment. We provide divorce representation in Helena, Jefferson County, and Shelby County.