Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested Divorce in Prattville

Filing in Autauga County Since 1956. Your Neighbor at the Courthouse.

When both spouses have already agreed on how to divide property, handle debts, and address any custody or support arrangements, the goal is clear: get the paperwork right and finalized without unnecessary delay. Our attorneys at McDowell Faulk & Shirley have handled uncontested divorce for Prattville and Autauga County families since 1956, filing regularly in the Autauga County Circuit Court and guiding clients through every required document from the complaint for divorce through the final decree.

We also serve clients in Elmore County. Virtual consultations are available if an in-office visit isn’t convenient.

Ready to take the next step? Call McDowell Faulk & Shirley at (334) 380-4252 to schedule a consultation about your uncontested divorce in Prattville.

Why a Local Prattville Firm Makes a Difference

An uncontested divorce still requires filing in the correct court, following local document requirements, and meeting Alabama’s procedural rules. For Prattville residents, that means the Autauga County Circuit Court, which has its own filing procedures distinct from neighboring Montgomery County. Our attorneys file there regularly and know what the court expects, which can reduce the risk of procedural errors that can push back your finalization date.

We’ve served this community as neighbors for nearly seven decades. We’re not a regional firm with a geo page for Prattville; we’re the firm down the street. McDowell Faulk & Shirley earned BusinessRate Best of 2026 recognition, a reflection of the trust clients here have placed in us.

How the Uncontested Divorce Process Works

Most uncontested divorces in Autauga County follow the same sequence. Here’s what to expect when you work with us:

Step 1: Initial Consultation
We confirm your case qualifies as uncontested and gather the information we need about your marriage, assets, children, and agreed terms. This meeting can take place virtually.

Step 2: Document Preparation
We prepare all required filings, including the complaint for divorce, the answer and waiver, and the marital settlement agreement reflecting what both parties have agreed to.

Step 3: Signatures & Filing
Both spouses review and sign the documents. We file everything with the Autauga County Circuit Court.

Step 4: Mandatory Waiting Period
Alabama law requires a 30-day waiting period following filing under Ala. Code § 30-2-8.1(a). For most uncontested cases, this is the longest part of the process.

Step 5: Final Decree
After the waiting period, the judge reviews the paperwork and enters the final decree. No court appearance is typically required. Many uncontested divorces in Autauga County are completed in about 30 to 60 days from the filing date, though the actual timeline depends on when documents are submitted and the court’s review schedule.

Ready to Move Forward? Contact Us Today.

We represent clients throughout Prattville, Autauga County, and Elmore County. Virtual consultations are available.

Call McDowell Faulk & Shirley at (334) 380-4252 to schedule your consultation today.

Issues an Uncontested Divorce Must Resolve

To proceed as uncontested, both spouses must reach full agreement on every material issue before filing. If even one issue stays open, the case can’t proceed on an uncontested basis and may require court intervention to resolve.

The issues that must be settled include:

Property and debt division: Alabama follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property and debts are divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
Alimony: Whether spousal support will be paid, the amount, and the duration must all be agreed upon and documented.
Child custody and visitation: If minor children are involved, both legal and physical custody arrangements, including a parenting schedule, must be resolved.
Child support: Alabama calculates child support under the Income Shares Model in Rule 32 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, based on both parents’ gross incomes, the custody arrangement, health insurance costs, and qualifying childcare expenses.

The marital settlement agreement documenting these terms becomes part of the final decree and operates as a binding court order. Significant assets such as retirement accounts or real property may require additional steps after the divorce is finalized: a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) for a retirement account, or a deed transfer for real estate. Attorney review of the settlement agreement before filing can help identify gaps that could create disputes after the decree is entered.

Alabama Residency & Grounds Requirements

At least one spouse must be an Alabama resident to file for divorce in the state. Under Ala. Code § 30-2-5, if the defendant spouse lives out of state, the filing spouse must have been a bona fide Alabama resident for at least six months immediately before filing.

Alabama recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. Uncontested proceedings almost always rely on one of the two no-fault grounds: irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or incompatibility of temperament. Fault-based grounds remain available under Alabama law but aren’t required. The divorce is filed in the county where the petitioning spouse resides, so Prattville residents file in the Autauga County Circuit Court.

Continue Reading Read Less

Get in Touch Today

Friendly support is one step away

Whether you need guidance in estate planning, family law, or real estate, we’re here to assist.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from McDowell Faulk & Shirley at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Stories from the People We Serve

See what others have shared about working with us

Professional and Friendly
“"I found McDowell, Faulk & Shirley LLC to be a very professional, but friendly and responsive (I worked with Mr Shirley). From the first phone call I made to them to address my case to the final meeting to wrap things up they were great people to work with. I will use them for my future needs and highly recommend them."”

- Grady O
Quality, Caring and Professional
“Thank you so much Mr. Shirley. I will forever be grateful!”

- Krista W.

View All Reviews