How long does divorce take in alabama?

Question

how long does it take after filing for divorce for it to be granted. also if there are children involved would that make the divorce take longer? what if both parents agree on visitation and custody? is there a waiting period after divorce is granted to remarry? in general what is the timeline for a divorce in the state of alabama.

Answer 1

There is no set time on how long a divorce takes. If both sides agree to a settlement/division of property and visitation if children are involved a divorce can be quick, cheap and easy and could take 1-3 months. If both sides are contentious and nothing is agreed upon and visitation and custody is an issue a divorce could take upwards of 1, 2, 3 even 4 years like my husband's did when he was divorcing his ex-wife.

If you two both agree on visitation and custody and the terms of your settlement (who gets the house, equity division, cars, ect) then it could be relatively quick.

There is no waiting time after a divorce to remarry - and studies done say the time you wait or don't wait after a divorce to remarry is not related to the success/failure rate of your second relationship or marriage!

A timeline - well - there isn't a set/boiler plate timeline. It goes in this order though

1. file for divorce

2. hearing on merits for divorce

3. hearing to address motions (then file your motion for a pre-hearing)

4. pre-divorce hearing to address any loose ends, final divorce hearing is set (but if you two agree to the terms of your divorce it may end right here and no final hearing needs to be set...but if you don't agree then)

5. final hearing is set for divorce

6. takes a month or so for the final divorce decree to be typed out and sent out and then it's another month or two until the divorce is actually finalized.

A lot of the time you're in essence waiting for the Court as there is a backlog and you're at the mercy of the clerk!

It will go quick and easy if everything is agreed upon and you both just submit a joint proposed divorce settlement - a judge can sign off on that in a minute and it would be a lot quicker than dragging it out and not agreeing on terms! And remember - best interests of your children at heart - always.

Good luck.