Protect Your Future With An Auburn Divorce Lawyer
A divorce can be one of the most life-changing events you will ever go through. When a divorce is imminent, it is important to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can protect your rights and best interests. This is your chance for a fresh start, and our Auburn divorce lawyers can help.
At Akridge & Balch, P.C., we have more than 100 years of combined experience representing Alabama families in Auburn and its surrounding communities. We understand the impact a divorce will have on your family’s future. Let us provide the guidance and information you need through your divorce.
Comprehensive Representation For An Alabama Divorce
Every divorce is as unique as the people who are getting divorced. Our experienced family law attorneys can help you with all aspects of your divorce. We help East Alabama clients with:
- Resolving child custody conflicts
- Establishing fair and accurate child support
- Dividing marital assets
- Determining fair and accurate spousal maintenance and support
- Seeking protection from domestic violence and abuse with a PFA order
- Defending against accusations of domestic violence or abuse
No matter what the issues are in your divorce, our legal team is fully committed to protecting the best interests of you and your children.
Customized Strategies For Your Divorce
We have been representing clients throughout the Auburn area for more than 30 years. In that time, we have seen many different divorce scenarios. Our divorce attorneys have an in-depth understanding of Alabama divorce and family laws. They will advocate on your behalf to resolve the conflicts in your divorce in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
In addition, our legal team knows that every client has unique needs in their divorce. Therefore, we are committed to learning about your situation. We want to fully understand your immediate needs and long-term goals. Our experienced divorce lawyers will develop a personalized strategy designed to help you achieve your legal goals.
What You Need To Know About Divorce In Alabama
We have gathered the questions we hear most often from our clients and answered them here so you can better understand what the divorce process may look like for your situation.
Do we have to be separated before filing for divorce in Alabama?
No, Alabama does not require you to be legally separated before you can file for divorce. You can file for divorce directly without ever going through a legal separation first. Legal separation is a completely separate legal option, not a required step in the divorce process. There is also no required waiting period where you and your spouse must live separately before you can file. How long your case takes will depend on the details of your specific case.
What if my spouse won’t sign the divorce papers?
Your spouse’s refusal to cooperate does not give them the power to stop the divorce from happening. When you file for divorce, your spouse receives official notice and has a set amount of time to respond. If they refuse to respond or participate in the process, a judge can grant a default divorce. This means the court may grant the relief requested in your filing if the legal requirements for a default divorce are met.
If your spouse does respond but refuses to agree on the terms, your divorce becomes contested. In that case, both you and your spouse will present your positions to the court and a judge will make the final decisions on issues like property division, child custody and support.
Do I need a divorce lawyer, or can I do it myself?
You can represent yourself in a divorce, but doing so comes with real risks that are worth understanding before you decide. Divorce paperwork in Alabama must meet specific legal requirements. A single error in your filing can cause delays and may even result in an agreement that does not hold up in court. Once a judge signs off on your divorce decree, making changes to it is a difficult and costly process.
If your spouse has legal representation and you do not, that difference puts you at a serious disadvantage from the start. Their attorney works solely to protect their client, and without your own representation, you have no one advocating for your interests.
Speak With An Auburn Divorce Lawyer
You do not have to go through your divorce by yourself. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 334-246-4697. You can also send us a message through our website. All inquiries are strictly confidential. We look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help you with your divorce.