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Alabama Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Personal Injury and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I sue my ex-husband for the slandering allegations that he accuse me of commiting while we were married!

He totally lied on the paperwork and slandered my character to so many other people who knows me! He also slandered and lied about the character of two men!!! In Alabama!

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 20, 2023

In Alabama, if someone knowingly makes false statements about another person that injures their reputation, it might be grounds for a defamation lawsuit. Defamation can either be spoken (slander) or written (libel). If your ex-husband made false allegations against you to others or in paperwork,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: While pay alimony will my new wife be at risk if ex takes me back to court for + alimony? Divorced in CO now in live AL
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 19, 2023

In situations involving alimony across multiple states, complexities arise. Generally, the state where the divorce was finalized, in this case, Colorado, retains jurisdiction over alimony matters. If you've since moved to Alabama, the process might involve transferring or recognizing the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: Grounds for termination of parental rights?

We have had custody of a family member since she was 4 months old. (Currently 4 years old) she was removed from her mom (dad unknown) right after birth due to the baby testing positive for meth. Mom has a long standing drug history and a lengthy criminal history associated. A couple months after... View More

Shane Michael Oncale
Shane Michael Oncale
answered on Sep 16, 2023

Well, first and foremost being in a courtroom battle is one of the most stressful times in anyone's life. Whether your counsel is appointed or retained you want and I would say need to feel comfortable with your representation. If you are not happy and don't feel comfortable it is wise... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Probate for Alabama on
Q: If aunt lives in Alabama, parents and minor live in Georgia where would they file for guardianship of the minor?

Parents would consent

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 12, 2023

In cases where the parents and the minor child reside in Georgia, and the aunt lives in Alabama, it's typically appropriate to file for guardianship in the state where the child resides, which is Georgia in this scenario. Guardianship matters are generally filed in the state where the child is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Libel & Slander and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: i am a defendant in a frivolous defamation lawsuit. what can i do to get it dismissed

We have a child custody case to which we created a GoFundMe to help with the attorney fees. It hasn't garnered much money but everything helps as this has gone on for almost 5 years. The spouse of the mother of the children has filed a lawsuit against me and my son for defamation for stating... View More

P. Vaughan Russell Jr.
P. Vaughan Russell Jr.
answered on Aug 3, 2023

Unfortunately, you will probably not be able to have the lawsuit dismissed immediately.

The individual claiming defamation does not have to be specifically identified by name in order to have a defamation claim. Whether this person has a colorable claim for defamation depends, at least in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: Ex is military. Child support is 25%. It hasn't increased even though he has gotten raises. How can I get it adjusted?

Divorce was finalized in TX. He is now stationed in WA. I live in AL.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

If you want to have the child support amount adjusted due to your ex's increased income, you would generally need to file a petition for modification of child support.

In your case, since the divorce was finalized in Texas but your ex is now stationed in Washington and you live in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: My 17yr old wants to live with me (father) and not their mom. Mother says she wants her to come back but child refuses t

I live in AL mother lives in GA

Don Oliver Keene
Don Oliver Keene
answered on Jul 4, 2023

It sounds like you are in a difficult situation here. Unfortunately, we do not really have enough information here to really help you with this question. Some important context would be like whether or not there is a custody agreement or plan in place, and where was that plan ordered, in Alabama or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Divorce and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: My husband and I are getting divorced.Own home with renters who have lease.Does lease stand before we have to sell?

Lease is until 3/2025. I don’t want to evict them due to divorce and having to split assets.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 30, 2023

The contractual right to receive rents will be marital property, which must be addressed specifically in the Divorce. Dealing with tenants, evictions, maintenance, and any other rental duty, must be expressed in clear terms as to who has authority and the duty. Also a potential term should be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Alabama on
Q: The father of my child left us in the hospital. He never reached out and never signed a birth certificate. She’s 4 now,

My fiancé wants to adopt. How long do we have to be married for? Can he adopt before marriage?

Don Oliver Keene
Don Oliver Keene
answered on Jun 14, 2023

It would probably be best to get married first and then adopt. Even though the biological father is not on the birth certificate he is still legally the father and has rights, so when you and your future husband do get married and he (your future husband) goes to adopt your child, you and your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: Can my husband adopt my son with no father listed on birth cert. & bio dad has signed over rights w/o dealing with him?

My son's Biological dad signed his rights away when my son was 3 days old and isn't even on the birth certificate. My now husband of 9 years(married almost 5 of those) wants to adopt him. We have no contact with the bio-dad and would rather not ever deal with him ever again. Do we have to... View More

Shane Michael Oncale
Shane Michael Oncale
answered on May 18, 2023

The short answer is YES. What you propose is a step parent adoption and they are very common. In one procedure/hearing you will terminate birth dads rights and have your husband adopt the child with a new birth certificate, last name, everything. There are some steps advised and you will need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: is it illegal for me and my girlfriend to run away out of the country im 16 and she is 14. if so how much trouble would

we be in?

Mr. James Parrish Coleman
Mr. James Parrish Coleman
answered on Apr 24, 2023

The short answer is that you would be in a world of trouble. You and she are both minors, and cannot yet be emancipated -- that is seen as adults-- because of your ages. You are barely outside the limits of the age difference that would make having sex with your 14 year old girlfriend illegal. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Can a property and home be sold if the deed is in someone else's name?

people whose names on the deed are both deceased. There was no will reading, no one truly knew who it went to. It was sold recently by a family member without telling others, and then resold two weeks later to someone else.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 13, 2023

The actual Heirs need an AL attorney now to file suit for Ejectment. It will be difficult and expensive but the alternative is losing the property forever very quickly. A Title Search should be performed first so that all interested parties are sued.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: Ex provides health insurance via military benefit. Refuses to pay half of uncovered expenses.

12yo is covered by health insurance by ex. This year we have incurred $400+ uncovered medical bills and she is starting orthodontic treatment soon ~$6800. Ex states the portion his benefits cover (for example, $1700 of braces) count as his payment towards these bills. Insurance does not exceed 5%... View More

Shane Michael Oncale
Shane Michael Oncale
answered on Jan 30, 2023

Your order should cover what is to occur with uncovered medical expenses and deductibles. If it does and he is in violation then you can take him to court to hold him in contempt and enforce the provisions. If for some reason there is no such provisions you need to go back to court to have them... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law, Child Support and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: As a 20-year-old Christian, if I am at the age of 20 and the age of majority in Alabama is 19, then what would happen i

As a 20-year-old Christian, if I am at the age of 20 and the age of majority in Alabama is 19, then what would happen if I moved to Mississippi, in which the age of majority is 21? Will I turn back into a boy in that state?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2023

No, your age and status as an adult do not change based on the state in which you reside. Once you reach the age of majority in your home state, you are considered an adult and that status remains regardless of where you move within the United States. Therefore, as a 20-year-old who has reached the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law, Child Support and Civil Rights for Alabama on
Q: As a 20-year-old Christian, if I am at the age of 20 and the age of majority in Alabama is 19, then what would happen i

As a 20-year-old Christian, if I am at the age of 20 and the age of majority in Alabama is 19, then what would happen if I moved to Mississippi, in which the age of majority is 21? Will I turn back into a boy in that state?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 26, 2023

The age of majority is governed by the law of the state with the most significant relationship to the contract or transaction in question. Your place of residence at the time of the contract or transaction will be a meaningful contact in that analysis.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: Why was my right to counsel denied in a custody modification or neither informed of my right to be represented

Since i couldnt afford a attorney I was forced to have to represent myself and lost the joint custody I had of my boys and I believe it has to do with my exwife working for the Marshall county sheriff's office conflict of interest

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 15, 2023

You aren’t entitled to a court-appointed attorney at taxpayer expense in such a civil proceeding, but are entitled to hire one at your own expense.

Claiming indigency that would entitle you to a court-appointed attorney if you had a criminal case against you in a custody case isn’t...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Family Law, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Alabama on
Q: What are my rights with DHR?

In August, I fled an abusive relationship, from NC, with the father of my children. I returned to my hometown. Having no other options at the time, my children and I ended up in a tent for around two weeks. The children slept on mattresses inside the tent, fully clothed, and covered with blankets.... View More

Hayden Glass Sizemore
Hayden Glass Sizemore
answered on Dec 30, 2022

You should hire an attorney. You are not required to submit to DHR requested drug screens. However, if you refuse, DHR will often use that to justify removing the children. If so, you will have a 72-hour hearing and you should request an attorney be appointed to represent you at the 72-hour... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama on
Q: If my grandchild is 15 and horribly disrespectful in MANY ways, can I press charges and him be taking to bootcamp?

This child lives in my home and his mother as well. His mother lets him get away with literally EVERYTHING and won't do anything about his behavior. He has broken things in my home, disrespectful, smoking cigarettes, walks the roads whenever he pleases, cusses all the time and back talks... View More

Hayden Glass Sizemore
Hayden Glass Sizemore
answered on Dec 30, 2022

It is possible that you could file a CHINS (child in need of supervision) petition in the juvenile court for your county. However, before you seek that remedy, perhaps you should talk to the mother and explain your frustration with the child's behavior while the two are residing with you.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Alabama on
Q: In Alabama can a 18 year old be legally kicked out of the house if they are still in high school?

The 18 year old will not abide by the rules of the home, becomes confrontational and even aggressive at times (yes reports have been filed) when told or asked to do things or will just simply not do them. They will not abide by any punishment they are given unless as the say, they are going to... View More

Hayden Glass Sizemore
Hayden Glass Sizemore
answered on Dec 30, 2022

You can file a CHINS (child in need of supervision) petition with the juvenile court in your county, and ask the court to intervene. Otherwise, the legal age of majority in Alabama is 19, and you are obligated as parents to support the child until he or she attains age 19. Perhaps you can explore... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Alabama on
Q: I'm trying to find the petition for withdrawing of adoption

I have gave my cousin my twin daughter because of her son got shot by an officer that same year and she never had a daughter. And I had to get myself together and stable. And she asked about an adoption but I wasn't fully educated on it until now. I thought my me giving her to family I would... View More

Hayden Glass Sizemore
Hayden Glass Sizemore
answered on Dec 30, 2022

You would receive notice of an adoption if your parental rights have not been terminated. If you receive notice of an adoption, you can file an answer objecting or not consenting to adoption. If there is not an adoption pending, and she was given legal custody by a court, then you can file a... View More

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