SB388 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

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

Requires married couples with minor children to complete a four-hour marriage dissolution education program before filing certain divorce-related pleadings, with fees, waivers, and specific content requirements.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill requires couples with minor children to complete a four-hour education program before filing a petition, joint petition, marital termination agreement, or stipulated judgment in a divorce or separation action. It establishes who must certify completion, how certificates are submitted, and when waivers may be granted. It also sets program content, delivery options (in-person or online), fee rules, and which groups may receive waivers, with the rule applying to filings after January 1, 2014.

Who It Affects

• Married couples with minor children who are filing for divorce or separation actions; they must complete the program, obtain a completion certificate, and may pay a fee or seek a waiver.
• The court system and program providers (including clerks, judges, local jurisdictions, and approved education providers) who must administer the program, verify certificates, manage waivers and fees, and maintain lists of approved programs.

Key Provisions

• Applies to divorce/separation proceedings involving minor children (biological or adoptive children age 16 and under).
• Filing documents must include a Certificate of Completion showing four hours of the education program completed within 120 days before filing; the respondent must certify completion within 120 days after service; judge may waive.
• Waivers available at judge's discretion if it is not reasonably possible to complete the program; allowed reasons include language barriers, lack of access to courses or internet, safety concerns, or emergencies.
• Program may be face-to-face or online; parties do not have to attend the same session; supervised by a professional family life educator and aligned with evidence-based content.
• Content requirements: at least 75% of time on parenting during dissolution and related issues (including domestic violence resources); at least 5% on the legal process; at least 5% on reconciliation options.
• Local jurisdictions must maintain a list of approved programs; existing programs as of 2013 may continue for two years after the act’s effective date if they meet criteria by end of 2015.
• Costs: each participant pays a fee (waived for those under 200% of poverty guidelines or eligible for forma pauperis); the program collects fees and determines waiver eligibility; the four-hour program cost cannot exceed $75.
• Effective date: applies to proceedings where the initial pleading is filed on or after January 1, 2014.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Family Law