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Divorce in Alabama: forms, cost, and how to file

A plain-English overview of getting an uncontested divorce in Alabama — the residency rule, the no-fault ground, the filing fee, and the official forms — from LawCat, a free service built by attorneys.

Official Alabama court forms →

Alabama divorce at a glance

No-fault ground
Incompatibility of temperament or irretrievable breakdown (Ala. Code 30-2-1); no separation period required; 30-day waiting period after filing before final decree (Ala. Code 30-2-8.1). Residency: plaintiff 6 months if defendant is a nonresident (Ala. Code…
Filing fee
~$200-350, varies by county. Fee waiver: Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (Form C-10).
Child support
Income shares (Rule 32, Ala. R. Jud. Admin.). Forms CS-41 (Child Support Obligation Income Statement/Affidavit), CS-42 (Child Support Guidelines worksheet), CS-43 (Guideline Notice of Compliance).
E-filing (self-represented)
AlaFile (efile.alacourt.gov) - pro se registration explicitly allowed ('Pro Se' user type), available in all 67 counties, optional for self-represented litigants.
County differences
Moderate - statewide packet exists but many counties (e.g., St. Clair) publish their own pro se divorce packets and local practice/testimony requirements vary by circuit.
Official statewide forms
YES - official AOC 'Uncontested Divorce Packet' on eforms.alacourt.gov (~27 pages): Complaint for Divorce (PS-08), Civil Cover Sheet, Summons, Answer/Waiver, Testimony of Plaintiff, Settlement Agreement, Final Judgment…

Official source: Alabama court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.

Coming soon

Alabama document generation is on the way

LawCat already prepares complete divorce packets free in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and is expanding to Alabama. In the meantime, the official Alabama court forms are linked below.

Official Alabama forms → See how it works

Why LawCat is free

Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat gives document preparation away because it is built by a law firm that helps people who later decide they want an attorney. You keep the free documents either way.

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Alabama divorce FAQ

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Alabama?

No. Alabama allows you to file for divorce yourself (pro se). LawCat prepares your Alabama divorce documents free, and you pay only the court’s filing fee. You can hire an attorney at any point if your case becomes complicated.

How long do I have to live in Alabama to file for divorce?

Check Alabama’s residency requirement with the official court source before filing.

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

~$200-350, varies by county. Fee waiver: Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (Form C-10). With LawCat your documents are free, so the filing fee is typically your only unavoidable cost — and it can often be waived if you can’t afford it.

This page is general information about Alabama’s court process, not legal advice for your situation, and LawCat is not a law firm. Forms and fees change — verify with the official court source above. Reviewed 2026.