Family Lawyer | Birmingham, AL

120 19th Street N, Suite 2002

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

(256) 649-2335

Family Law & Divorce Attorneys in Birmingham

Welcome to our divorce and family law firm located in Birmingham, Alabama! We are dedicated to serving the legal needs of families throughout Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Our experienced attorneys in our Birmingham divorce and family law office understand the complexities of family law and are here to help you through any legal challenges you may be facing. We can guide you through the process, from start to finish.

Whether you need assistance with divorce, child custody, alimony, modifications of orders, or another issue, our Birmingham divorce and family lawyers are here for you.

At Summit Family Law, we offer no-obligation evaluations of divorce and family law cases. We can ensure you understand your options, your rights, and how to best reach your goals.

Call (256) 649-2335 or contact us online today to get started.

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Family Law & Divorce Attorneys Serving Birmingham

Our compassionate team of divorce and family law attorneys fights to ensure the courts hear every client’s voice. We understand that emotions often run high in family law matters and it can be challenging to navigate them on your own. You do not have to manage your case without help. We handle divorces, child custody disputes, and modifications in Jefferson County family law courts.

We protect our client’s rights, listen to them, ensure they get heard, and present the information necessary for the judge to understand their situation. We advocate for a fair outcome for you, protecting your financial health, children’s well-being, and other important factors during the legal process.

We can stand beside you if you are:

Considering a divorce
Facing a divorce petition filed by your spouse
Worrying about child custody or visitation matters with your children
Thinking about petitioning for modification of your current orders
Have other questions about a potential family law case

Our Birmingham Family Law Attorneys Can Represent You During Mediation or in Court

Spouses in Alabama must reach agreements through mediation or go to court to determine several factors during proceedings, even in no-fault divorces.

This includes:

Property division
Alimony
Child custody and decision-making
Visitation

Many reach agreements after negotiations through their attorneys or mediation. Some spouses work together to agree on all these factors on their own. The judge makes the decision when the spouses cannot agree. They hear the evidence presented by each side, review the necessary information, and rule according to the applicable laws.

Under Alabama Code § 30-2-51 and § 30-2-52, Alabama is an equitable division state. The law requires the judge to distribute all assets and debts equitably. However, a fair distribution does not mean an equal one. For example, the partner with a higher salary might receive a larger portion of the debt.

At Summit Family Law, our family attorneys in Birmingham listen to our clients. We find out what is most important to them and help them reach their goals. We help clients fight to keep the family home, avoid significant debt, protect a prized collection, or get alimony that will allow them to finish earning a degree.

Birmingham Family Matters We Handle

Our dedicated legal team can help with:

Contested Divorces

We represent clients who need an advocate on their side to help them navigate one or more disputed aspects of their divorce. This could include property distribution, custody and visitation, spousal support, and more. We build strong support for each case, ensuring the court understands our client’s goals and the reasons behind them.

Uncontested Divorces

We manage filings for clients who agree to all terms with their spouse and hope for a smooth divorce process. We handle all paperwork, draft and submit plans for property distribution, custody, and other factors, and ask the judge to approve them.

Military Divorces

With Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham and four other active military bases in Alabama, we often handle military divorces where one or both spouses are members of the U.S. military. These cases have several special considerations that you must understand to get a fair outcome in your case.

High-Asset or High-Debt Divorces

Divorces involving high assets or significant debts often present more combative cases. We represent clients and advocate for a fair distribution of any assets. We protect their financial health to the extent allowed by law, showing that certain assets are not marital property or that our client is more deserving based on the case’s facts.

Divorces for Professionals

When one spouse works in a profession that requires a higher level of training or post-graduate degree, it often affects other aspects of the case. This partner may need to pay more in child and spousal support, take on more of the joint debt or take other steps to make up for their partner’s sacrifices to help them get their education. We represent our client’s best interests in these cases.

Alimony

Also known as spousal support, Alabama law allows for alimony under some circumstances. Judges generally award temporary alimony for partners who need to finish education or training, find a job, or purchase a new home. Long-term and permanent awards are rare but may be possible in some situations.

Divorce Modifications

Alabama family law allows some changes to court orders. Individuals most commonly petition the court to modify their order to adjust child custody and visitation, child support, or alimony.

We discuss cases with potential clients or individuals considering family law actions in Birmingham during our private, no-obligation consultations. If you have questions or concerns, we can help you get answers.

Representing Parents in Child Custody Cases in Birmingham, Alabama

Our attorneys at our law firm understand that issues involving your children can prove the most difficult parts of a divorce. They are also often the most contentious. Alabama courts prefer awarding joint decision-making capacity, often called custody.

Under Alabama Code § 30-3-150, the law recommends that judges ensure ongoing contact and a positive relationship with both parents, assuming this is in the child’s best interest.

However, this does not equate to each parent receiving equal parenting time.

If the parents cannot agree to a parenting plan, the judge creates a plan after weighing factors that include:

The child’s safety and well-being
Their age
Their gender
Ability to provide for their physical, emotional, social, & educational needs
How the parents work together for the child’s sake
The health, stability, and character of each parent
The relationship between the child and each parent
Where the child can continue their current school and social activities
The child’s preference, if the judge determines they are mature enough
The recommendations of any expert witnesses

We understand your concerns about your children and empathize with your fears about the possible outcome of your case. We aggressively pursue custody and visitation as well as child support when necessary. We can go to court and present evidence to show why the children are better off in the care of our client and why awarding custody or excessive visitation to their other parent might be detrimental to them.

We help document abuse, alcohol or drug use, or other significant concerns that could affect the custody case and your child’s well-being. We can stand with you and fight for the best interests of your children.

We Can Request Divorce Modifications for Family Law Clients

At Summit Family Law, we represent clients who need to modify their court order after a divorce is finalized. The Alabama family court system understands that sometimes an agreement or order no longer fits. Most divorce modification petitions center around child custody, visitation, or support. However, we can also help you modify alimony payments.

Like divorces, courts classify Petitions to Modify as uncontested or contested. If all parties agree to the change, this process generally moves much quicker. The judge may require a court appearance for a contested modification. The court hears evidence from each side and decides whether to move forward with the change and issue a new order or not.

While you cannot alter property division after a decree in most cases, the court enforces orders regularly. We help clients get payments, assets, or other court-ordered property from their former spouse by petitioning the court regularly.

Jefferson County Family Court Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our team compiled this list of common questions from clients and potential clients. If you do not find an answer below or have additional concerns related to your unique situation, we can evaluate your options with you. Do not hesitate to reach out.

Does My Family Law Case Have to Go to Court?

While all family law decisions require approval by a judge, few go to court. Most spouses and parents reach agreements on the contested aspects of their divorce or dispute and don’t have to go to court. This occurs through discussions with and without attorneys, each party making concessions, and help from a mediator.

Courts also give parents wide discretion to go by a parenting plan that works for them, including modifying it as necessary because of schedule changes, job changes, and the children’s ages. However, our family lawyers recommend requesting a modification of your court orders if you require a long-term change to your parenting plan.

How Does Alabama Calculate Child Support?

Like many other states, Alabama uses certain guidelines to tabulate how much a parent will pay the other each month in child support. Even when parents share custody, these guidelines generally call for a support payment.

The factors considered include each party’s income, how many children they support, and other factors, including childcare and medical insurance costs.

Is My Petition Contested or Uncontested?

Uncontested divorce filings or Petitions to Modify a court order require both parties to agree on all aspects of the filing. This does occur, especially when they reach agreements before preparing their complaint or petition. Uncontested petitions typically move through the process faster and require only the judge’s approval before finalizing.

Contested filings in family law courts occur when the parties do not agree on some or all of the related factors. In a divorce, this could include property division, alimony, child custody, visitation, child support, and more. A disagreement on any of these aspects of the split will require the case to go to mediation and reach a consensus or go to court.

In court, the judge reviews the evidence, hears from witnesses, and decides based on the facts of the case and the applicable Alabama laws.

Can I Handle My Divorce or Modification Without a Lawyer?

As a practical matter, no. The procedures are too complex and you don’t want to make any mistakes that could cost you money, property, or child custody rights.

Hire a lawyer to handle a divorce or child custody modification properly. Mistakes greatly affect your financial health, your child’s well-being, and more. Many cases prove much more complex than they seem. When our Birmingham family law attorneys review your case, you have peace of mind knowing a lawyer familiar with these cases will guide you every step of the way.

Our team members offer advice and answer questions during your initial consultation, but there is no obligation to hire us for your case. This allows you better understand the facts of the case, the process, and the possible outcomes. You can then decide if you want to hire us.

Discuss Your Birmingham Family Law Concerns With Our Firm

Our family law attorneys represent individuals, couples, and families who need help navigating the legal system to meet their goals. We provide confidential, no-obligation evaluations during our initial consultations with potential clients.

You can feel comfortable openly discussing your case and related concerns one-on-one with our compassionate team. We believe you deserve to have someone advocating for your best interests during this time.

Call (256) 649-2335 or fill out our online form to get started. We are ready to help you move forward with the next important steps in your life.

The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Team of Birmingham Divorce Attorneys

Experience has taught us that family law issues are often emotionally draining experiences born from loss. These experiences usually do not afford people the ability to think and act logically and without heavy emotion at the same time. That is why it is crucial to rely on a legal advocate that will care and passionately represent you during your time of need.

Our guiding principles of trust and excellence and our proven track record for exceeding expectations set us apart from our peers. It is what drives our vision of helping families like yours feel secure again, create a new life following a loss, and enjoy the bright future you earned and deserve.

Overview of Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham is a vibrant and historic city located in the heart of Alabama. Founded in 1871, the city has a rich and diverse history that is reflected in its architecture, museums, and cultural events. Birmingham is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, as well as its delicious southern cuisine and warm hospitality.

Key Points of Interest in Birmingham, Alabama:

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a museum and research center dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement in Birmingham and the United States. The institute features exhibits, artifacts, and archives that highlight the struggles and triumphs of the movement.
Vulcan Park and Museum: Vulcan Park and Museum is home to the iconic Vulcan statue, the largest cast iron statue in the world. The park also features a museum that explores the history of Birmingham and its steel industry.
McWane Science Center: The McWane Science Center is a fun and educational destination for families and visitors of all ages. The center features interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium.
Birmingham Museum of Art: The Birmingham Museum of Art is home to one of the finest collections of art in the Southeast. The museum features more than 27,000 works of art, including paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark: Sloss Furnaces is a historic landmark that celebrates Birmingham’s industrial heritage. The site features preserved blast furnaces and exhibits that explore the history of the iron and steel industry in Birmingham.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens feature 67 acres of lush greenery, including formal gardens, natural areas, and walking trails.

For more information about Birmingham, Alabama and its key points of interest, please visit the following links:

Birmingham, AL Divorce & Family Attorneys Office