Can I pursue alimony years after divorce in Alabama?

Question

I finalized my divorce in Alabama in 2012, and during that time, I used my husband's lawyer and was not advised about alimony. Since then, my financial situation has changed significantly as I now have SSI income due to a seizure condition. Can I still pursue alimony after all these years?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

In Alabama, alimony must generally be requested and decided at the time of divorce. If it was not awarded in the original divorce decree, the court usually does not allow someone to come back years later and ask for it. Since your divorce was finalized in 2012, the window to request alimony has most likely closed. 
 
There are limited exceptions, such as if the divorce decree left alimony open for future consideration, or if there was some form of fraud or misconduct in the original proceedings. However, using your former husband’s lawyer instead of your own would not automatically allow you to reopen the case now. Courts are very strict about finality in divorce judgments, and more than a decade has passed since yours was entered. 
 
Given your current financial situation and SSI income, your options may be different now. Instead of alimony, you might explore public benefits, disability-related resources, or other forms of financial assistance that could help ease your situation. It may also be helpful to have a legal professional review your divorce paperwork to confirm whether any unusual provisions were included that could give you a path forward.

Q: Can I pursue alimony years after divorce in Alabama?