Birmingham Family Law & Divorce Lawyers

Divorce and Family Law Attorneys in Birmingham, Alabama

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 (205) 922-6555 or contact us online today to get started.

Family Law & Divorce Attorneys Near You in Birmingham, AL

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 don’t have to manage your case without help. We handle divorces, child custody disputes, and modifications in Jefferson County family law courts. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and trusted attorneys are dedicated to being your local and affordable counsel.

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, which may include litigation. We often review documents and draft necessary pleadings to defend your position. Our aggressive yet professional team is responsive to your needs.

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.

Related: Who are the Best Divorce Lawyers in Birmingham?

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

Beyond dissolution, our reputable family law practice is well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern families. We can also help with establishing paternity to secure an initial child support order, navigating the process of formal adoption, or pursuing guardianship when a minor child needs court protection. If you are experiencing domestic violence, we are here to help you enforce or obtain a necessary restraining order for your safety. While alimony is one type of payment, we also advise clients on all forms of spousal support to protect their future financial stability.

Spouses in Alabama must reach agreements through mediation or go to court to determine several factors during proceedings, even in no-fault divorces. Our goal is usually to settle disputes before they escalate.

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. We will advise you on all potential outcomes, including appeals. Our skilled team will argue your position and enforce the final orders.

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. The attorneys may need to depose witnesses or subpoena financial documents during the discovery phase of litigation.

At Summit Family Law, our family attorneys in Birmingham listen to our clients. We find out what is most important to them and help you reach your goals. We help clients fight to keep their family home, avoid significant debt, protect a prized collection, or obtain alimony that will allow them to complete their degree. Our firm has a reputable history of successful outcomes

Family Law Attorneys Near Birmingham – Cases We Handle

Our knowledgeable, experienced, trustworthy, skilled, and collaborative legal team, specialized in family law, can help with:

Contested Divorces

We represent clients who need a compassionate and caring advocate on their side to help them navigate one or more disputed aspects of their separation and divorce. Our attorneys strategize and collaborate with clients throughout the litigation process. This could include property distribution, custody and visitation, spousal support, and more. We build strong support for each complex case, ensuring the court understands our client’s goals and the reasons behind them. We are prepared to contest all unfair terms with an aggressive yet ethical approach.

Uncontested Divorces Near Birmingham, Alabama

We manage filings for clients who agree to all terms with their spouse and hope for a smooth divorce process. When terms are agreed upon, we can offer mediation to help parties negotiate a fair settlement and settle the matter amicably. 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, including issues of jurisdiction and military pension division, that you must understand to get a fair outcome in your case. Our Birmingham divorce law firm is responsive and knowledgeable about these specialized rules.

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. We can review marital assets and help divide property fairly. Following your initial consultation, we will accept a retainer and discuss fees before we file or finalize the process.

Divorces for Professionals

When one spouse works in a professional occupation 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 sacrifices their partner may have made to help them achieve their career goals. We represent our clients’ best interests in these cases, especially when children are involved.

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 their 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. We aim for an effective outcome that is ultimately written into the final decree.  

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. Should a post-decree issue arise, we are prepared to litigate the matter or handle an appeal to the higher courts.

We discuss cases with potential clients or individuals considering family law actions in Birmingham during our private, no-obligation consultations. Our compassionate counsel will communicate clearly with you throughout the separation process. We offer affordable options for drafting a prenup (prenuptial agreement) and can serve opposing parties with the necessary paperwork. If you have questions or concerns, we can help you get answers.

Representing Parents in Child Custody Cases in Birmingham, Alabama

Jacey Jefferson is hands down one of the best attorneys in the Birmingham/Huntsville area. She helped a relative of mine gain full custody of their child. ~Briana L, via Google

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.

Call Our Family Law Attorneys Near Birmingham Today!

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 (205) 922-6555 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 Divorce Attorneys Near You

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.

Call One of Our Northern Alabama Family Law Attorney Offices Today

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:

• City of Birmingham
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Vulcan Park and Museum
• McWane Science Center
• Birmingham Museum of Art
• Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Areas Served

• Bibb County
• Blount County
• Clay County
• Chilton County
• Coosa County
• Jefferson County
• Shelby County
• St. Clair County
• Talladega County
• Tuscaloosa County
• Walker County
• Alabaster Divorce
• Alexander City Divorce
• Anniston Divorce
• Bessemer Divorce
• Brookwood Divorce
• Chelsea Divorce
• Clanton Divorce
• Coker Divorce
• Heflin Divorce
• Homewood Divorce
• Hoover Divorce
• Jemison Divorce
• McCalla Divorce
• Oxford Divorce
• Pell City Divorce
• Pelham Divorce
• Sylacauga Divorce
• Talladega Divorce
• Trussville Divorce
• Vance Divorce