HB482 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bill Poole
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Marriage dissolution education programs, participation is required for certain parties in marital dissolution actions with minor children; program requirements established, indigency
Summary: HB482 would require married couples with minor children to complete a four-hour marriage dissolution education program before filing certain divorce or separation pleadings, and it sets rules for content, proof of completion, costs, and waivers.
What This Bill Does
Requires a four-hour marriage dissolution education program for couples with minor children before they file a petition, counterpetition, or answer in a divorce or separation action, with a certificate of completion attached to the filing. The filing party (or both parties in a joint filing) must have completed the program within 120 days before filing; the respondent must certify completion within 120 days from service of the petition, with a judge able to waive this requirement in certain cases. Programs can be in person or online and must include specific content about parenting, the legal process, and reconciliation, with at least 75% of time focused on parenting and child adjustment, plus information on domestic violence resources and safety; local jurisdictions must maintain lists of approved programs. Costs are paid by participants (up to $100 per four-hour program), with waivers available for those below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or who qualify as indigent; existing programs may continue for up to two years to meet the new criteria; the act takes effect January 1, 2013.

Who It Affects
Married couples with minor children who are filing for divorce or separation, who must complete the education program and obtain a completion certificate before filing.
Respondents in divorce or separation actions, who must certify completion within 120 days of service unless a judge waives the requirement.
Judges, who have discretionary authority to waive the education requirement in certain circumstances and to manage the certification process.
Local jurisdictions and program providers, which must establish the list of approved programs and deliver the mandated content (online or in person).
Individuals with limited financial means, who may receive fee waivers for the program if they meet income criteria or qualify for in forma pauperis status.

Key Provisions
Applies only to divorce or separation proceedings involving couples with minor children (biological, adoptive, and stepchildren 18 years old or younger).
A petition or related filing may not be filed unless accompanied by a certificate showing that either the filing party (or both parties in a joint filing) has completed a four-hour marriage dissolution education program within 120 days prior to filing.
The respondent must certify completion within 120 days from service of the petition; a judge may waive this requirement at their discretion.
The certificate of completion must be titled accordingly and include specific language confirming completion of the program in accordance with the act.
The court may waive the certification requirement if a party provides a certificate claiming impossibility to complete the program, with several listed reasons (language barriers, lack of access, safety concerns, emergency, etc.).
Programs may be delivered face-to-face or online, and parties are not required to attend the same session; programs must meet defined content criteria and be aligned with evidence-based practices where possible.
Content requirements include: (a) at least 75% of time on constructive parenting and child adjustment, including domestic violence resources and safety considerations; (b) at least 5% on the legal process, including overview of litigation and alternatives like mediation; (c) at least 5% on reconciliation, including benefits, resources, and when reconciliation is not appropriate due to safety concerns.
Costs for participating in an approved program must be paid by the participant, with waivers for those below 200% of poverty guidelines or who qualify as indigent; the program determines waiver eligibility; the per-person program cost cannot exceed $100.
Local jurisdictions must establish and maintain lists of approved programs; programs existing as of January 1, 2012, may continue for two years while meeting new criteria, provided they pursue compliance by December 31, 2014.
The act becomes effective January 1, 2013 and applies to proceedings where the initial pleading is served on or after that date.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Family Law