HB150 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Poole

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Marriage dissolution education programs, participation is required for certain parties in marital dissolution actions with minor children; program requirements established, fees

Summary

HB150 would require married couples with minor children to complete a four-hour marriage dissolution education program before filing certain divorce or separation documents.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it requires couples with minor children to finish a four-hour program prior to filing petitions or related documents. Clerks must have a completion certificate before accepting filings, and the respondent must certify completion within 120 days of service (with a judge able to waive in some cases). The bill also sets program standards, cost rules, and applies to filings made on or after January 1, 2016.

Who It Affects

• Married couples with minor children (biological or adoptive children 16 and under) in divorce or separation actions, who must complete the program before filing or serving certain documents.
• Respondents in these actions, who must certify completion within 120 days from service unless waived by a judge.
• Court clerks and judges, who enforce the filing certificate rule and may grant waivers.
• Local jurisdictions and approved program providers, which must maintain lists of approved programs, oversee content, and collect any program fees.
• Individuals with low income or special circumstances who may receive fee waivers for the program.

Key Provisions

• Requires a four-hour marriage dissolution education program for couples with minor children before filing a petition, joint petition, marital termination agreement, or stipulated judgment in divorce or separation actions (within 120 days prior to filing).
• Requires the respondent to certify completion within 120 days from service of the petition; judges may waive the requirement at their discretion.
• Creates a certificate of completion that programs must issue, and allows a waiver certificate if completion is not reasonably possible, listing acceptable reasons (language barriers, lack of access, safety concerns, emergencies, or other).
• Program may be face-to-face or online; sessions need not be attended together; programs must be supervised or designed by professional family life educators or licensed mental health professionals and align with evidence-based standards; local areas must maintain lists of approved programs.
• Program content must include: (a) majority focus (at least 75%) on constructive parenting, domestic violence resources, and safety considerations; (b) at least 5% on the legal process and alternatives to litigation; (c) at least 5% on reconciliation options and related resources.
• Costs of the program are paid by participants; waivers available for those under 200% of federal poverty guidelines or those proceeding in forma pauperis; program fees shall not exceed $75.
• Effective for initial pleadings filed on or after January 1, 2016; existing programs may continue for up to two years post-enrollment date if they meet criteria by December 31, 2016.

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