Alabama Divorce & Family Law Attorney Blog : Birmingham Divorce Lawyer & Attorney : Eversole Law Firm : Serving Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile Alabama

Last week I discussed an approach to achieving a mutual divorce settlement vis-à-vis No-fault divorce. As a Birmingham divorce attorney who has represented dozens of individuals going through what must be one of the most difficult times in any married person’s life, I can say that cooperation is one of the best ways to make a divorce proceeding go smoothly.

Frankly, in Alabama or anywhere else for that matter, separation and divorce can be life-altering events that tear at the hearts and emotions of the spouses affected, not to mention their families and even friends. Maintaining a cool approach, as hard as it may be, is one of the best things you can do for yourself at this difficult time.

Previously, I talked about how to make the process work. Here, I’m going to review the “mechanics” of a No-fault divorce here in Alabama. Before I start, I’ll remind folks again that it is essential for both parties to avoid any hostile or accusatorial tone if they wish the divorce process to go smoothly. Stay calm and you will have a much better opportunity to settle your differences and move on with your separate lives.

As for the legal grounds for an Alabama No-fault divorce includes the following:

1. An incompatibility of temperament that results in the two parties’ inability to live together
2. An irreversible and permanent breakdown of the marital union, which makes any attempts at reconciliation either impractical, futile, or not in the best interests of the two spouses or the family in general
3. The voluntary abandonment by one of the spouses from bed and board for one year preceding the filing of the divorce complaint

To initiate a No-fault divorce in Alabama, one of the above reasons must be specified on a state document (Complaint for Divorce) and filed with the court. Following this, and having agreed to avoid personal attacks and accusations, the two parties should be ready and willing to accept the legal reasons for a No-fault divorce. Now it is time to meet with your individual attorneys to discuss the details of the marriage dissolution.

After accepting the reasons for the divorce, both spouses should be prepared to discuss three specific areas that must be addressed and agreed to before the dissolution of the marriage. These areas include the following:

• Community finances
• Assets 
• Children

 

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In the recent maelstrom of mistress allegations, Tiger Woods may be headed to divorce court if the gossip pages are correct. As a Birmingham divorce and family law attorney, I have first-hand experience with divorce and separation cases involving infidelity in a marriage. While Mr. Woods’ situation is perhaps more extreme than most, the result -- a wife deciding to consult a divorce lawyer -- is nothing new in my profession.

Revelations of a single or as in this case multiple affairs can quickly push a marriage toward divorce or, at best, legal separation. Sports figures, entertainers and other personalities can sometimes be more prone to marital troubles than the rest of us, it’s a big let down to those who revere these high-profile names.

In this case, according to various news reports, Elin Nordegren is planning to divorce the fallen golf icon. That piece of information came from a source, who recently spoke to People magazine, adding that Nordegren has “made up her mind." More damning is the reports from the New York Daily News, which reported that the 29-year-old Nordegren and husband Tiger would be “going their separate ways for the holidays.”

The article says that the former model will be heading to Sweden with the couple’s two children, while Woods will be staying home. According to reports, the golfer is looking for a “safe harbor” and waiting for the storm to settle. He reportedly will be spending the holidays with two or three of his male friends.

Reports also state that a friend of Woods claims the golf great had likely cheated on Nordegren with more than the dozen or so women who have already emerged since Thanksgiving. The latest news reports allege that Woods wired thousands of dollars every month to several women, with one receiving up to $20,000 a month, according to MSNBC.

 

Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren ready for divorce: report, NYDailyNews.com, December 16, 2009

 

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When considering divorce it is always a good idea to find a qualified family law attorney or divorce lawyer to help guide you through the labyrinth of laws and legal requirements. As a Birmingham divorce attorney I look out for the best interests of my clients went representing them in divorce court. Whether you are a husband or wife, this is a stress-filled time for many people, and my approach to compassionate representation during all phases of legal separation, divorce, child custody and other marital and post-marital agreements remains one of sympathetic, yet aggressive advocacy.

My years of experience in divorce-related and family law matters has equipped me to provide the necessary counsel during one of the most trying times in a person’s life. Here are some additional legal terms you may run across when facing a divorce or separation in the state of Alabama.

Alimony, Maintenance, Spousal Support
The awarding of alimony is determined by the court based on the need of the spouse requesting alimony and the ability of the other to pay. If fault is a factor in the divorce, the judge has the right to make an allowance to either spouse out of the estate of either spouse, or not make an allowance as the circumstances of the case may justify. However, any property acquired prior to the marriage of the parties or by inheritance or gift may not be considered in determining the amount of alimony.

Child Custody
Child support is determined using the Income Shares model, with the theory that children should continue to receive that same amount of support as if the parents were still together.

Child Custody
The courts in Alabama strives to assure that minor children have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of their children and to encourage parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of rearing their children after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage. The court shall in every case consider joint custody, however it may award any form of custody which is determined to be in the best interest of the child.

Joint custody does not necessarily mean equal physical custody. In determining whether joint custody is in the best interest of the child, courts typically consider the same factors considered in awarding sole legal and physical custody and all of the following factors:

1. The agreement or lack of agreement of the parents on joint custody
2. The past and present ability of the parents to cooperate with each other and make decisions jointly
3. The ability of the parents to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent
4. Any history of or potential for child abuse, spouse abuse, or kidnapping
5. The geographic proximity of the parents to each other as this relates to the practical considerations of joint physical custody

 

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Going through a divorce can be a stressful time for most people. When a marital relationship fails, all parties, not just the husband and wife are affected; dependant children, relatives and friends all feel the pain of separation and ultimately legal divorce. As a Birmingham, Alabama, divorce lawyer and family law attorney, my job is two-fold: First, to provide my client with a strong and well-planned approach to the legal aspects of the separation, and second, to offer compassionate and informed counsel in a time of emotional upheaval.

Having an experienced attorney by one’s side is paramount when working through the various steps of legal separation and divorce. I have the training to make the process as smooth as can possibly be expected under the circumstances. The many legal terms and conditions can be confusing for some people, which is why I always recommend finding a competent divorce lawyer right off the bat.

Here are some of the legal terms you may run across when facing a divorce or separation in the state of Alabama.

Legal Separation
Here in Alabama, the state recognizes legal separation. Courts will typically enter a decree of legal separation if all of the following requirements are satisfied:

1. The court determines that the jurisdictional requirements for the dissolution of a marriage have been met
2. The court determines the marriage is irretrievably broken or there exists a complete incompatibility of temperament or one or both of the parties desires to live separate and apart
3. To the extent that it has jurisdiction to do so, the court has considered, approved, or provided for child custody, and has entered an order for child support in compliance with the law

Property Division
Alabama is an equitable distribution state, which means that if the parties can't agree, the property will be distributed in an equitable fashion, not necessarily equally. All property of the wife, held by her previous to the marriage or to which she may become entitled after the marriage in any manner, is the separate property of the wife and is not subject to the liabilities of the husband. All property of the wife, whether acquired by descent or inheritance, or gift, devise or bequest, or by contract or conveyance, or by gift from or contract with the husband, is the separate property of the wife within the meaning of, and is subject to all the provisions of, this chapter, saving and excepting only such property as may be conveyed to an active trustee for her benefit.

Additional information will be included next week in part two of this discussion. 

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Alabama is a state that recognizes legal separation. As a Birmingham divorce attorney, a certain percentage of my clients typically ask about this option as an alternative to divorce. Legal separation, which is sometimes referred to as "judicial separation," "separate maintenance" or "divorce a mensa et thoro" (translation: "divorce from bed-and-board"), is way in which a married couple may legally formalize what can be a de facto separation while at the same time remaining legally married.

People choose legal separation for a number of reasons, but it usually is done if there is still some hope of saving the marriage, or if one or both of the parties (or even their families) have a moral or religious objection to divorce.

For the state of Alabama to recognize a legal separation, the parties shall enter a decree of legal separation if all of the following requirements are satisfied:

1. The court determines that the jurisdictional requirements for the dissolution of a marriage have been met
2. The court determines the marriage is irretrievably broken or there exists a complete incompatibility of temperament or one or both of the parties desires to live separate and apart
3. To the extent that it has jurisdiction to do so, the court has considered, approved, or provided for child custody, and has entered an order for child support in compliance with Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration

As implied above, a legal separation does not necessarily lead to a divorce. It does leave the door open to reconciliation, in which case the parties usually need not do anything more, as they are still legally married. If, however, the couple does not manage to find common ground, they may then wish to go through with a divorce, which must be filed for explicitly.

As an Alabama family law and divorce lawyer, I have handled many legal separations as well as helped cleints through divorces. The law can many times be complex and confusing. A qualified legal professional with experience in family law can be a great help when guiding people through the legal process during what can be a truly difficult and emotional time.

 

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Divorce. It can be messy. It’s never easy. And many folks have been there. One thing I can tell you without hesitation, as an experienced Alabama divorce lawyer, you sometimes have to make a compromise to get the best outcome. Working out of Birmingham, AL, I’ve represented numerous spouses seeking separation or divorce. An uncontested divorce is not uncommong, but many divorces are fraught with challenges from both sides. Many of my past clients believed that mediation was out of the question, mainly because they were totally in the right and there “less-than-better-half” was completely in the wrong.

One thing you must consider when contemplating this kind of all-or-nothing approach is that the court may not agree with you. But listening to your divorce attorney is the best thing you can do. I and other family law attorneys across the state of Alabama know how divorce court functions. Whether you’re here in Birmingham, or out in Tuscaloosa, in and around Bessemer, or over by Gadsden, you’ll hear similar advice. Knowing when to compromise, versus taking your divorce to trial, is critical to a successful and satisfying outcome.

A family law attorney can guide you through a divorce with better judgment than if you drive the bus yourself. Without compromise, you will likely have to take your divorce case to trial, which in itself can be a difficult decision for any husband or wife. At the same time, by going to trial you are taking your chances not only with the outcome, but also with the cost -- in terms of time and money -- of extended litigation.

I’ll be the first to acknowledge that no person involved in a divorce wants to consent to an agreement that does not fully protect his or her property rights, future financial security or the custody of the children, if any. But naturally, if you do to go to trial with your divorce case, you will definitely benefit from an experienced and dedicated attorney by your side who will passionately advocate for the protection of your rights and seek the best possible results on your behalf.

So if you’re contemplating divorce, please consider the realities of your situation and try to put your emotions on the back burner. A little anger is healthy, but too much can cloud your thinking and cause you to make choices that you may regret later on. Pay attention to what your lawyer has to say. His or her opinion can be more valuable than you might imagine.
 

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It appears that nobody is immune to “irreconcilable differences” when it comes to marriage and the tenuous threads that hold relationships together. As a Birmingham divorce attorney, I have seen my share of difficult separations and complicated divorce cases. And, while the Hollywood crowd is perhaps more prone to marital troubles than the rest of us, it’s sad indeed to hear about those famous long-term married couples who are headed toward divorce.

Such is the case with actor-producer Mel Gibson and his wife, Robyn. Married since 1980, Gibson himself has been plagued by scandals for some time, which the tabloids have covered ad nauseum. A self-proclaimed and ardent follower of the Catholic faith, Gibson will soon have to face the music now that his wife has filed for divorce, citing those same irreconcilable differences.

The Gibsons have no prenuptial agreement, according to reports, and Robyn Gibson is seeking spousal support and custody of their 10-year-old son -- the only minor among their seven kids. Although the scandal sheets have more than suggested infidelity, many observers describe the Gibson case as more complicated, pointing out that the couple’s marriage has been in trouble for almost three years.

Hollywood insiders cite Mr. Gibson’s well-publicized 2006 DUI arrest as the milepost marking the beginning of the discord between husband and wife. Reportedly, the two have been living apart and maintaining separate residences in the Malibu area for more than two years.

From a legal perspective, the date of separation, which reports say is yet to be determined, will mark the point where spousal earnings cease to be community property. But this may be academic. By even the most conservative estimates, Mel Gibson’s net worth is close to $1 billion, and since California is a no-fault, community-property state, all assets are split 50-50 and infidelity is not taken into consideration.

As an Alabama divorce lawyer, I cover the city of Birmingham, as well as the state of Alabama. Because divorce is a very personal and emotional subject, Eversole Law provides not only top notch legal services, but also approaches every case with a high degree of professionalism and compassion for the parties involved. When you chose an Alabama divorce attorney from Eversole Law you receive personalized and caring 24/7 service.  We watch after our clients, because they deserve an advocate who will fight for them.

 

Sideshow: Mel Gibson's wife wants out, Philly.com, April 14, 2009

Oksana No. 4 seen behind Mel Gibson's door, NYDailyNews.com, April 19, 2009

 

 

 

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The Alabama divorce and family law attorneys and lawyers of Eversole Law offer legal services in Alabama divorce, alimony, child custody, child visitation, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, grandparents rights, adoption, and other Alabama family law matters. I founded my Alabama divorce and family law practice to ensure every Alabama family has access to affordable and qualified Alabama divorce and family lawyers and attorneys.  I will personally walk your family through the difficult process of an Alabama divorce proceeding and make sure your interests are protected in child custody, alimony or visitation proceedings and orders.  As an Alabama divorce lawyer I represent clients in Birmingham and throughout the state of Alabama, and I guarantee top notch service and quality legal professionalism.  When you chose an Alabama divorce lawyer or attorney from Eversole Law you are choosing personalized 24/7 service in a family like environment.  We take care of our clients in every way. 

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My Alabama divorce and family law office is centrally located in Birmingham, Alabama so that we can offer our Alabama divorce, child custody and visitation, alimony, child support, adoption, prenuptial agreements, and other family law matters practice throughout the entire state of Alabama.  I represent clients in every court in Alabama including, but not limited to the following courts and jurisdictions:

In the Birmingham, Alabama Metro area I routinely try divorce and family law cases in the following cities and counties:

Jefferson County, Adamsville, Argo, Birmingham, Bessemer, Branchville, Fairfield, Fultondale, Gardendale, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, Irondale, Kimberly, Leeds, Morris, Mountain Brook, Odenville, Springville, Trussville, Vestavia, Warrior 

In the Shelby County, Alabama the lawyers and attorneys of Eversole law work in the following cities and courts:

Shelby County , Alabaster,  Columbiana, Harpersville, Hoover, Vincent, Pelham, Calera

Other areas of Alabama the lawyers of Eversole Law represent clients include:

Tuscaloosa, Northport, Chilton County, Jemison, Thorsby, Altoona, Talladega County, Jefferson County, Walker County, Madison County, Cullman, Hunstville, Decatur, Florence, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Montgomery, Pelham, Gadsden, Anniston, and all other counties and municipalities in Alabama.   

***This list is not exhaustive, my office will represent divorce and family law clients across the entire state of Alabama. 

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Please check out my firm's website.  My Alabama Divorce Law firm focuses our practice on divorce, child custody, child visitation, alimony and support, property division, asset protection, family law and more.  We cross the state of Alabama and regularly handle divorce and family law cases in Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Pelham, Leeds, Moody, Pell City, Trussville, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Fultondale, Irondale, Homewood; and in counties like Jefferson County, St. Clair County, Madison County, Tuscaloosa County, Shelby County, Mobile County, Walker County, Jackson County, Marshall County, Limestone County, Chilton County, Bibb County, Talladega County, Montgomery County, Etowah County, Mobile County, Cullman County, Baldwin County, Winston County, Dekalb County and Cherokee County, etc. 

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Hulk Hogan's wife filed for divorce on Monday.  Her divorce complaint alleged their marriage, "irretrievably broken."   Hogan issued a statement today regarding his pending divorce and marital break-up.  Hogan seems to have been caught off guard by the divorce complaint and is hoping everything works out in the end. 

A common, and sometimes very effective tactic, is slowing the process down.  As a defendant in divorce proceedings, it is sometimes wise to let the other side cool down.  As a plaintiff filing a divorce complaint I try not to file during major holidays like Christmas.  I see no reason to inflame emotions any more than necessary.  Of course, there are many situations where this approach is not feasible, i.e. in cases of spousal or child abuse, etc.  However, I do find that both parties are much more interested and reasonable in resolving divorce issues like property division, child custody and visitation,  and alimony when their minds are not clouded by the emotion of a new, and often unexpected, divorce petition. 

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A court in India made an interesting divorce ruling today.  A court in New Delhi ruled that a person whose spouse is found to have HIV Aids is entitled to a divorce.  The court found sex to be an integral part of the marriage and the wife's HIV status prevented the husband from having a "happy married life," because they could not have sex without the fear of transmitting the disease. 

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