Updated May 2026 Alabama

Alabama Divorce Filing Fee (2026)

All court costs for filing divorce in Alabama — including filing fees, service costs, and optional surcharges.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$290

Base Filing Fee

$45

Sheriff Service

None

Children Surcharge

$340

Est. Total (with service)

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Divorce Court Costs in Alabama

Filing for divorce in Alabama requires paying a base filing fee of $290 to the court. This fee opens your case and is paid by the petitioner (the spouse filing first).

Alabama requires a parenting class when minor children are involved. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be completed before the divorce is finalized.

Service of Process in Alabama

After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers:

Sheriff / constable: $45
Private process server: $85

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Alabama fees vary by county. Circuit courts in larger counties such as Jefferson (Birmingham) or Madison (Huntsville) may charge slightly more.

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Uncontested divorce saves thousands

If both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce avoids attorney fees entirely. Court costs are typically the only expense — often under $500 total.

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Fee waiver available

If you can't afford the $290 filing fee, ask the clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Most Alabama courts waive fees for filers below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.

Source: Alabama official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Alabama Divorce

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Alabama?

Filing for divorce in Alabama costs $290 for the base court filing fee. Add $45 for sheriff service of process, bringing the estimated court total to $340. This is the court cost only — attorney fees are additional and vary widely.

What is the divorce filing fee in Alabama?

The Alabama divorce filing fee is $290. This is a one-time fee paid to the court clerk when the petitioner files the initial divorce petition. E-filing is available in Alabama for an additional $5. The fee must be paid before the court will process your case.

How can I get the divorce filing fee waived in Alabama?

To get the divorce filing fee waived in Alabama, file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application with the court at the same time as your divorce petition. You must demonstrate that your household income falls below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. If you receive public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you likely qualify automatically. A judge — not the clerk — must approve the waiver.

Does Alabama require a parenting class for divorce?

Yes — Alabama requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before the divorce is finalized. The class covers the impact of divorce on children and co-parenting strategies. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be paid directly to the approved provider.

How long does a divorce take in Alabama?

An uncontested divorce in Alabama where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 1–3 months, depending on the court's schedule and any mandatory waiting periods. A contested divorce — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — typically takes 6–18 months or longer. After filing, most states require a mandatory waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree.

Can I file for divorce online in Alabama?

Yes — Alabama courts accept electronic filing (e-filing) for divorce cases. An additional e-filing fee of $5 applies. For a fully online uncontested divorce, services like 3StepDivorce prepare all state-specific forms and guide you through the process.