Alabama: divorce rules by state
How long you must live in a state before filing for divorce, how long you wait after filing, and any separation the state requires.
| Residency requirement | 6 months if the other spouse lives outside Alabama; none if both live in the state |
|---|---|
| Residency law | Ala. Code § 30-2-5 |
| Waiting period after filing | 30 days after filing |
| Separation required (no-fault divorce) | None |
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Alabama.
Also for Alabama: Car insurance by state in Alabama · Discrimination deadlines in Alabama · Workers' comp deadlines in Alabama · Small estate limits in Alabama · Small claims limits in Alabama · Homestead exemptions in Alabama · Claim deadlines in Alabama · Paid leave programs in Alabama · DUI penalties in Alabama · Medicaid long-term care in Alabama
How we checked this
Residency rules come from a statute-cited 50-state chart and were compared with two other 50-state tables. Disputed states were checked on the state's own code. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.