Family Law

At Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C., our family law attorneys provide a wide range of services ranging from divorce, child support, and child custody to protection from abuse, and qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). We also assist clients with the adoption process. Hodges Trial Lawyers is dedicated to providing personal and experienced representation to every one of our clients. Contact us to find out how we can assist you with your Alabama family law matter.

Divorce

While the divorce process across the state of Alabama is generally the same, the requirements can also differ from county to county, so it is important to realize this and work with a family law firm that knows each county’s rules. You or your spouse must have been a resident of the county where you file for divorce for at least six months before the date you file for divorce.
You can file a complaint for a no-fault divorce or a divorce based on one of the following twelve reasons or “faults”:

• impotence
• adultery
• abandonment
• wife was pregnant at the time of the marriage unbeknownst to the husband
• deviant sexual behavior
• domestic violence
• habitual use of drugs or alcohol
• imprisonment for at least two years and a minimum sentence of seven years
• incompatibility
• confinement in a mental hospital for incurable insanity for more than five years
• physical separation of at least two years

If you and your spouse can agree on how to divide your assets and debts and other major issues, then you can draw up a marital settlement agreement and file for an uncontested divorce. If it is not possible to reach an agreement and one party wants to contest the divorce, then you will need to go to court to settle these issues. At Hodges Trial Lawyers, we are dedicated to resolving divorce matters quickly while protecting your interests and rights.

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)

As part of the divorce process you will required to disclose a tremendous amount of financial information to determine how your assets are divided. If your divorce settlement involves a division of retirement or pension plans, then it is crucial to have a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), which allows for the distribution of assets without taxation and penalties for early distribution. A QDRO can also specify the date and amount of payments to be made to an ex-spouse. Do not risk losing out on pension funds. Be sure you are working with a Huntsville family law lawyer experienced in the complicated legal details of QDROs.

Protection from Abuse Orders

Unfortunately, some divorces involve the threat of domestic violence and require the filing of a petition for a Protection from Abuse order (PFA). PFAs are designed to protect the safety of victims of domestic abuse, their minor children, and other designated members of the household. A PFA can protect you from harassment, stalking, and other threatening conduct, grant you temporary custody of the children, and even grant you possession of a car or other personal items, regardless of ownership. If your situation is an emergency, it is possible to get a temporary PFA without going through a full court hearing. Hodges Trial Lawyers is available to assist clients who need temporary or permanent PFAs.

Huntsville Family Law Firm of Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. Provides Experienced Counsel for All Family Law Matters

Turn to Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. if you are looking for a skilled Huntsville family law firm. Our compassionate attorneys can answer all your questions regarding the divorce process, child support, and child custody, as well as other family matters such as adoption and protection from abuse. Call 888-539-3110 today to schedule a consultation or contact us online. From our offices in Huntsville and Athens, we assist clients across North Alabama, including the areas of Madison County, Limestone County, Marshall County, Jackson County, Morgan County, and Lauderdale County.