Emergency Family-Law Resources in Alabama

Temporary orders involving children

Alabama does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Ex parte orders are limited. Use the Circuit Court interim procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request interim custody / visitation through the Circuit Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a Protection from Abuse (PFA) petition is a separate, faster route.

Protection from Abuse orders (Ala. Code § 30-5-1)

An Alabama Protection from Abuse (PFA) order is issued under Ala. Code § 30-5-1. There is no filing fee. A court may issue a temporary ex parte order (decision within 3 business days); a full hearing is set (often ~2 weeks). A final order is good for one (1) year unless otherwise ordered. Obey every term; only the court can change it.

Alabama child protective (DHR)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the Alabama county DHR where the child lives or to local law enforcement. A report can lead to a CPS investigation; an unfounded / not-indicated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end custody or visitation.