Alabama · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Alabama

How spousal support works in a Alabama divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

Quick answer

The judge first considers rehabilitative alimony (usually up to 5 years) to help a spouse get back on their feet.

Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
Ala. Code 30-2-57.

When Alabama courts can order alimony

If alimony isn't awarded or reserved in the divorce, you can't ask for it later.

Amount, limits and length

  • The judge first considers rehabilitative alimony (usually up to 5 years) to help a spouse get back on their feet.
  • If that can't work, periodic alimony can be ordered, usually for no longer than the marriage lasted (the judge can go longer only if fairness requires it), with no time limit if you were married 20 years or more.

Law: Ala. Code 30-2-57.

Good to know

Periodic alimony is generally limited to the length of the marriage, unless you were married 20+ years or the judge finds a longer award is needed to be fair (Ala. Code 30-2-57(g)).

Alimony and property in Alabama

Alimony is decided separately from how property and debts are divided.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
The marital estate is divided in a way the judge finds fair, not always 50/50. Property you had before marriage, or got by gift or inheritance, is usually left out unless it was used regularly for both of you. Retirement earned during the marriage can be split, but the other spouse can't get more than 50% of it unless you agree.

How to ask for alimony in Alabama

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Alabama courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    Can't afford it? Ask the clerk to accept an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship (form C-10, civil), revised Oct 2026: https://eforms.alacourt.gov/media/na1j0cie/c-10-civil-affidavit-of-substantial-hardship-order-10-2026.pdf.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Not required statewide, but judges often order or suggest mediation in custody and property disputes.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Alabama

How does alimony work in Alabama?

The judge first considers rehabilitative alimony (usually up to 5 years) to help a spouse get back on their feet. If that can't work, periodic alimony can be ordered, usually for no longer than the marriage lasted (the judge can go longer only if fairness requires it), with no time limit if you were married 20 years or more. If alimony isn't awarded or reserved in the divorce, you can't ask for it later.

How much alimony is paid in Alabama, and for how long?

The judge first considers rehabilitative alimony (usually up to 5 years) to help a spouse get back on their feet. If that can't work, periodic alimony can be ordered, usually for no longer than the marriage lasted (the judge can go longer only if fairness requires it), with no time limit if you were married 20 years or more.

Is Alabama a community property state?

No. Alabama uses equitable distribution. The marital estate is divided in a way the judge finds fair, not always 50/50. Property you had before marriage, or got by gift or inheritance, is usually left out unless it was used regularly for both of you. Retirement earned during the marriage can be split, but the other spouse can't get more than 50% of it unless you agree.

More about divorce in Alabama

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.