Divorce & Family Law Isn't Just Something We Do
It’s The Only Thing We Do

Celebrities are among others in Alabama and beyond for whom divorce remains an ongoing issue. Music artists Ryan Adams and Mandy Moore recently divorced after a six-year marriage. There has been a turn of events in their situation regarding a recent legal request filed by Ms. Moore pertaining to spousal support. Ms. Moore has asked the court to order spousal support for specific needs that have arisen in the aftermath of her divorce. While this is not an uncommon request from those who have incomes far below that of their former spouses, the apparent reason for the request in this case may be a bit unique. Moore claims that she needs her former husband’s financial support in order to care of the eight pets the two acquired together during their marriage. Two dogs and six cats remain in her care; she reportedly earns far less than her former husband’s monthly … Continue reading Singer Mandy Moore requests spousal support for pet care →

Some statistics suggest that half of all marriages in Alabama and across the United States eventually result in divorce. Alimony is an important divorce issue. Whether one receives payments or is ordered to make payments to a former spouse, it is advisable that all involved should gain an understanding of governing laws and guidelines. Some believe it unfair to place undue financial obligation on a person no longer connected to a former spouse. Others maintain that certain circumstances entitle a former spouse to receive financial support in order to sustain him or herself after divorce. Either way, several factors are typically considered by the court when determining issues of alimony, otherwise known as spousal support. As in many states, an Alabama court considers the duration of a marriage as a determining factor with regard to potential alimony. In marriages that lasted more than a decade, one former spouse is often ordered to … Continue reading Important items of consideration regarding alimony in Alabama →

Couples in Alabama planning to divorce will want to take note of state laws before attempting to resolve various family law issues. When negotiating a settlement, many are often concerned about the possibility of future alimony payments.  An experienced attorney can help clients understand their rights during a divorce and explain how alimony, also known as spousal support, might be applied in their particular situation. Divorce is often complicated. Every family’s situation is different, and negotiations regarding standard of living, future upbringing and care of children and property division are usually more productive when each party seeks guidance from an experienced attorney. Unique situations sometimes have bearing on a court’s decision, such as when one spouse has placed his or her career or educational pursuits on hold, or has made a significant contribution to the other spouse’s educational or career advancement. With regard to future shared parenting, most parents want what … Continue reading Should Alabama spouses be concerned about alimony? →

Divorce is rarely, if ever, easy. Many times, Alabama couples face all sorts of complex issues requiring hours upon hours of mediation and negotiation in order to reach peaceable and amicable resolutions. A particularly challenging area of divorce involves the subject of alimony. Alimony is a court-ordered payment issued to a former spouse after divorce. It is meant to assist that spouse as he or she attempts to adjust to a new standard of living after a marriage has been dissolved. In modern times, alimony is given to former spouses of either gender; historically-speaking, it was more common for courts to award these types of payments to women. The Rose Law Firm, LLC, offers experience-based services to clients seeking guidance in matters of alimony or other issues pertaining to family law. Our attorneys understand that the court takes a variety of factors into consideration when making decisions about potential spousal … Continue reading Addressing issues of alimony in Alabama →

Sometimes, couples who are involved in high profile divorces cases, such as the recent one between Alabama governor Robert Bentley and his wife, ask the court to seal all records pertaining to the case. Under such circumstances, a judge will sometimes order that no one except the couple, their attorneys, paid experts and other legal employees pertinent to the case is able to access the court record. A sealed record can help a divorcing couple maintain a higher level of privacy in their case where personal issues regarding division of assets or alimony are concerned. The Bentleys announced their decision to divorce after the governor’s wife filed the claim in late Aug. 2015. She stated that her marriage had suffered an irretrievable breakdown after 50 years and that there was a complete incompatibility of temperament between herself and her husband. The governor released a public statement asking for privacy in light … Continue reading First Lady Bentley seeks alimony in divorce from Alabama governor →

In a recent advice column, a question was posed regarding certain issues that arise during divorce. The man asking the question had concerns about his impending divorce from his wife; namely, he wanted to know if alimony still existed in Alabama or elsewhere. Apparently, the man was divorcing after more than a decade of marriage and his soon-to-be former wife expressed her intent to request alimony payments from him. The published response to the man’s question informed him that alimony does, indeed, still exist. The man was also advised to hire a competent divorce lawyer. According to the information provided in the article, when a marriage has lasted beyond 10 years, issues such as retirement benefits sometimes become subject to asset distribution in divorce. Additionally, alimony is sometimes mandated by the court as a means of balancing the incomes of both spouses. One assertion mentioned suggested that when a high … Continue reading Alabama reader asks alimony question →

When married persons decide to go their separate ways, the courts often strive to assist them in creating a more equally-yoked economic status beyond the marriage. Alimony is a court-ordered provision given to support a spouse after divorce. Alabama couples might take note of recent changes that are brewing in another state. States across the nation could potentially embrace such changes, which would be significant in the future lives of both former spouses. Alimony is not intended to be punitive; rather, it is meant to support a lesser-earning spouse when a marriage ends in civil court. A group in one southern state has called for reform with regard to permanent alimony. Supporters of the legislation say that a person should not be legally obligated to financially support a former spouse for the rest of his or her life. According to the group, those paying alimony would be better served by … Continue reading Alabama divorcees should be mindful of potential alimony →