12 Resources
Alabama's official self-help portal provides downloadable court forms for custody petitions, visitation modifications, divorce, and child support filings. Navigate to alacourt.gov, select Family Law Self-Help, and find step-by-step guides written in plain language. Printable checklists help women prepare filings correctly the first time. Available 24/7 at no cost. No attorney required for basic pro se filings.
334-954-5000 · Statewide Online Resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Free civil legal representation for qualifying low-income women in the Birmingham metro area, covering custody, divorce, domestic violence protective orders, and family law matters. Call during business hours to confirm income eligibility. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court documents. Attorneys assist with filings, motions, and court hearings. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.
205-328-3540 · 1820 7th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Jefferson County Family Court handles all domestic relations matters including custody, child support, visitation, and divorce for women in the Birmingham area. Walk-in self-help hours available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Bring photo ID and all relevant documents. Court staff can explain procedures but cannot provide legal advice. Filing fees may be waived for qualifying low-income petitioners.
205-325-5355 · 120 2nd Ct N, Birmingham, AL 35204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects women with vetted family law attorneys for consultations on custody, divorce, and parenting plans. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to request a referral. Initial consultations are available at reduced rates. Attorneys are screened for experience in family law. Have your case details ready before calling.
800-392-5660 · 415 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
WomensLaw.org provides free, attorney-written custody and visitation guides for every state, written in plain language women can understand without legal training. Covers legal vs. physical custody, how courts decide custody, modifying existing orders, and interstate custody disputes. Also includes safety planning for women leaving abusive situations. Available online 24/7 at no cost.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The American Bar Association Family Law Section offers a national attorney directory, public resources on custody and divorce, and practitioner guides. Use the Find a Lawyer tool at americanbar.org to search for family law attorneys in your area. Resources cover relocation disputes, international custody, grandparent rights, and domestic violence protections. Free to search online 24/7.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The federal Office of Child Support Services coordinates all state child support programs and custody enforcement nationwide. Visit acf.hhs.gov/css to find your state agency, learn how to open a case, request enforcement of existing orders, or locate an absent parent. Free services include paternity establishment, income withholding, and license suspension for non-paying parents.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
USA.gov is the official federal government portal providing custody and child support information with direct links to every state enforcement agency. Covers establishing paternity, getting a support order, modifying orders, and what to do when the other parent does not pay. Available in English and Spanish. Free to use online 24/7 at usa.gov/child-support.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
ChildWelfare.gov is the federal child welfare information gateway offering research-based resources on custody, kinship care arrangements, foster care, and parenting plans. Find state-specific resources, best-practice parenting guides, and information on child abuse prevention. Particularly useful for grandmothers seeking custody of grandchildren. Free online resource available 24/7.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges publishes research-based resources on custody best practices, domestic violence in family courts, and child safety. Their publications help women understand how judges evaluate custody cases and what factors influence decisions. Particularly useful for survivors navigating custody against an abusive co-parent. Free online access at ncjfcj.org.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute provides free online access to federal and state statutes, case law, and legal definitions covering custody, visitation, divorce, and family law. Women can research legal terms, understand statutory standards, and access court opinions at no cost. Available 24/7 at law.cornell.edu. No login required.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
FindLaw offers free public articles on child custody arrangements, including sole vs. joint custody, how to modify existing orders, relocation rights, and enforcement when a parent violates orders. Written by legal editors, these guides help women prepare for consultations with attorneys. Visit family.findlaw.com/child-custody.html. No cost to access online 24/7.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website