Alabama Divorce Costs and Filing Fees (2026)
Alabama's filing fee of $150–$200 is among the lowest in the country, making it an affordable state for uncontested divorce. County variation is notable — check your county's specific fee schedule.
Core Filing Costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court filing fee | $150–$200 (varies by county) |
| Certified copies of Decree | $5–$15 per copy |
| Service fee (if not Acceptance of Service) | $25–$60 |
County Variations
| County | Approx. Fee |
|---|---|
| Jefferson (Birmingham) | $175–$200 |
| Madison (Huntsville) | $165–$185 |
| Mobile County | $150–$180 |
| Shelby County | $165–$185 |
| Montgomery County | $150–$175 |
Confirm the exact fee with your county's Circuit Court clerk before filing.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO — employer retirement plan | $400–$1,500 per plan |
| Real estate deed preparation | $150–$500 |
| Judge of Probate recording fee | $15–$50 per document |
| Property appraisal | $350–$750 |
| Business valuation | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Mediator | $150–$300/hour |
| Limited-scope attorney review | $300–$1,000 |
Fee Waiver (In Forma Pauperis)
Alabama waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (available at alabamalawhelp.org or Circuit Court clerk)
- File with the Complaint for Divorce
- Judge reviews income and assets
- If approved: filing fees waived; service fees may also be waived
Eligibility: Income below the poverty line; receipt of public assistance (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF).
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate or retirement | $200–$500 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate (deed + Judge of Probate) | $600–$1,300 |
| With employer retirement account (QDRO) | $700–$2,000 |
| Fault-ground, negotiated settlement | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Contested through trial | $20,000–$60,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $150–$200 filing fee | alabamalawhelp.org for free forms | Deeds recorded at Judge of Probate
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.