HB180 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Bill Poole
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Marriage dissolution education programs, participation is required for certain parties in marital dissolution actions with minor children; program requirements established, fees
Summary: HB180 would require married couples with minor children to complete a four-hour marriage dissolution education program before filing for divorce or separation, with costs, content, and certifications defined by the bill.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill mandates that in divorce or separation actions involving minor children, both spouses complete a four-hour education program within 120 days before filing, and the filing must include a completion certificate. The program can be in-person or online and must be overseen by a professional family life educator, aligning with evidence-based content. Most of the program time focuses on parenting and reducing conflict, with additional information about the legal process and reconciliation options. Fees are paid by participants, but waivers are available for low-income individuals, and the program has a maximum cost of $75; local jurisdictions will maintain lists of approved programs, and the judge can waive requirements in certain cases.

Who It Affects
Married couples with minor children (biological or adoptive, 16 years old or younger) going through divorce or separation, who must complete the program and obtain a completion certificate before filing.
Respondents (the other spouse) who must certify completion within 120 days of service, with a judge able to waive the requirement in some cases.
Circuit court clerks and local jurisdictions, which must verify completion certificates and maintain lists of approved programs.
Marriage dissolution education program providers and educators, who must offer the approved curriculum and handle fees and waivers.
Individuals with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or those proceeding in forma pauperis, who may receive fee waivers.
Domestic violence survivors or individuals with safety concerns, who may obtain a waiver or certificate of impossibility if completing the program is not reasonably possible.

Key Provisions
Requires a four-hour marriage dissolution education program for both parties (or as applicable) within 120 days prior to filing a petition or related documents in divorce/separation actions involving minor children.
Filing must include a certificate of completion; the respondent must certify completion within 120 days from service; a judge may waive the requirement.
Program may be face-to-face or online, supervised by a professional family life educator, and must align with evidence-based content that reduces co-parental conflict and helps children adjust.
Content requirements include at least 75% focus on parenting-related information (risk factors, effects on children, cooperation strategies, domestic violence resources) and at least 5% on legal processes and 5% on reconciliation options.
Costs: participants pay a fee not to exceed $75; waivers available for low-income individuals or those eligible for forma pauperis status; local jurisdictions administer fee waivers and maintain program approvals.

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