Recent Changes in Alabama Family Law: What Alabama Families Need to Know in 2026
Alabama family law continues to evolve to better serve children and families. The most significant recent development is the Best Interest of the Child Protection Act (House Bill 229), which took effect on January 1, 2026. This law introduces a rebuttable presumption favoring joint custody in divorce and custody cases.
At Guntersville Law, LLC, our family law attorneys — Paul A. Seckel and Emily Jolley Seckel — stay current on these changes to provide strong, informed representation for clients in Guntersville, Marshall County, and throughout North Alabama.
MEDIATION- Resolve Conflict Without the Stress and Uncertainty of Court
Mediation That Works — On Your Terms
Why Choose Mediation?
How Much Is a Personal Injury Case Worth in Marshall County, Alabama?
If you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or any other incident caused by someone else’s negligence, one of the first questions you probably have is:
“How much is my personal injury case worth?”
Should You Refuse to Give a Blood, Urine, or Breath Sample if Suspected of DUI
Intoxicated driving in Alabama is a serious criminal charge. During a DUI investigation, an officer may request a blood sample. This is especially true when an alleged suspect refuses a breathalyzer test or a police officer believes the suspect is intoxicated by drugs. If you do not agree to it, …
The Importance of Evidence in Personal Injury Cases
When it comes to personal injury cases, the importance of evidence cannot be overstated. In these legal battles, evidence is what makes or breaks your claim. It is the foundation upon which your case stands and ultimately determines whether you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuri…
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
Knowing what to do after an accident can be overwhelming. Between dealing with injuries and figuring out the next steps, the last thing you need is the added stress of finding the right personal injury lawyer. However, choosing the right legal representation is crucial to ensuring you receive the…
Alabama’s Stand Your Ground
Recent events in the media have led me to question some of Alabama\’s Stand Your Ground Laws and just where they might apply. So, what exactly are my rights in Alabama to defend myself? My property? My family? In 2006, Alabama passed the Stand Your Ground Law and it changed the way the Alabama vie…
What is Expungement and How Can It Help You?
If you have a previous arrest or misdemeanor conviction that is not only a source of embarrassment, but is also keeping you from a career or a career advancement, you may want to look at expunging your record. Expungement can be a lengthy and somewhat costly process, but the pros far outweigh the…
How Do I Know if the New Changes In Child Support Affect Me
On June 1, 2018, Alabama made changes to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 32, which is used to calculate child support. If there is a third party payment to a child such as Social Security or other benefit, then the party on behalf of whom that benefit is paid gets to deduct that amo…
Guntersville Law, LLC | Welcoming Attorney Emily S. Jolley To Our Law Firm
Paul Seckel and Guntersville Law, LLC welcome our newest lawyer, Attorney Emily Jolley. Emily is a 2015 graduate of the Birmingham School of Law. Prior to entering the practice of law, Emily worked for twenty years as an educator. She has served as a general education teacher, special education t…
Insurance Claims Attorney in Guntersville, AL
Has your life insurance been denied or delayed?
Attorney Paul Seckel of Guntersville Law, LLC will perform a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Call (256) 202-6774 to schedule your Life Insurance Case Evaluation!!!
If we cannot recover money for you, there is no fee. Life insurance ca…
Summary Judgment in Favor of the City of Guntersville
The Alabama Supreme Court recently released an opinion in the case of Ex parte City of Guntersville Petition for Writ of Mandamus. This case originated in Marshall County Circuit Court where Margaret Hulgan filed a negligence case against the City of Guntersville to recover for damages for injuri…
Court Ruling Strikes Down Wage Garnishments of Lower Income Wage Earners Supporting a Family
The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has ruled that creditors cannot garnish the wages of someone earning less than $1,000 per paycheck as long as that money is being spent on living expenses.
The court ruled on May 12, 2017 in the case of Merrida v. Credit Acceptance Corp. The case originated out …
Alabama’s Two Standards Used to Modify Child Custody
In Whitehead v. Whitehead, decided by the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals on February 12, 2016, the Court does a really good job of explaining the two standards for custody modification. Alabama applies either the McLendon standard or the Couch standard when deciding custody modification.
The Stan…
Possession of marijuana in the first and second degree no longer mandate driver’s license suspension!
Proposed changes that are supposed to go into effect on 1/30/2016 change mandatory driver\’s license suspension so that possession of marijuana in the first and second degree no longer mandate driver\’s license suspension.
Alabama Now Has A Class “D” Felony
Alabama now has a Class “D” felony. Historically, Alabama has classified felonies as Class “A”, Class “B”, and Class “C”. With the prison reform bill proposed to be effective 1/30/2016, a Class “D” felony was introduced. Appropriate sections of the code follow:
Code of Alabama § 13A-5-11. Fines; …
GRANDPARENT VISITATION ACT “FACIALLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL”
In a recent Alabama Court of Civil Appeals opinion, Weldon v. Ballow, on October 30, 2015, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals was faced with a challenge that the Grandparent Visitation Act was “unconstitutional on its face – that is it always operated unconstitutionally.”
When a challenge comes t…
Ever Wondered What The Sentence Difference Is For A Misdemeanor And A Felony in Alabama?
In Alabama, here are the statutory sentences for misdemeanors:
Section 13A-5-7
Sentences of imprisonment for misdemeanors and violations.
(a) Sentences for misdemeanors shall be a definite term of imprisonment in the county jail or to hard labor for the county, within the following limitations:
(…
What To Do In A Car Wreck.
Car Wrecks
If you are involved in an automobile accident here are some things that you can do that will be beneficial to you and your potential case.
Remain Calm
Becoming upset because of an accident may lead to emotional decisions that may create additional problems for those involve…
Paul A. Seckel – Attorney Profile
Paul A. Seckel focuses on divorce and child custody, criminal defense, and personal injury cases. A dedicated Alabama advocate, Paul provides honest advice and strong representation to individuals and families in Guntersville and Marshall County. (Alternative profile: Paul Seckel Attorney)
Emily Jolley Seckel – Attorney Profile
Emily Jolley Seckel specializes in appellate law, divorce and child custody, estate planning, and family matters. She delivers clear guidance and works tirelessly for stable outcomes.
Tim A. Jolley – Attorney Profile
Tim A. Jolley brings over 44 years of experience, including as a retired Circuit Judge and prosecutor. He focuses on criminal defense, civil litigation, real estate, and mediation.
Practice Areas Overview
Practice Areas — Guntersville Law, LLC covers Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Estate Planning & Business Law.
Personal Injury Attorneys
Personal Injury Attorneys fight to secure full compensation for victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death.
Car Accident Attorney
Car Accident Attorney — Injured in a car accident? We help victims recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages under Alabama’s fault-based system.
Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycle Accident Attorneys — We help cyclists injured in accidents navigate the complex aftermath and pursue the compensation they need.
Criminal Defense Attorneys
Criminal Defense Attorneys provide strong, results-oriented representation for clients facing charges in Guntersville and North Alabama.
Drug Charges / Drug Possession Attorneys
Drug Charges Attorney — We defend clients against all types of Alabama drug charges, including possession of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and possession with intent to distribute.
DUI / DWI Defense
DUI Defense and DUI & DWI Defense Attorneys — Our skilled team guides clients through Alabama’s strict DUI laws and fights for the best possible outcome.
Public Intoxication Attorney
Public Intoxication Attorney — We help clients build strong defenses against public intoxication charges and protect their record.
Violent Crimes Defense
Violent Crimes Defense — Dedicated defense against serious allegations including assault and domestic violence.
Sex Crimes Defense
Sex Crimes Defense — Discreet, experienced defense for clients facing sex crime accusations.
Misdemeanor Crimes Attorney
Misdemeanor Crimes Attorney — We defend clients against a wide range of misdemeanor offenses, working toward dismissals or favorable outcomes.
Federal Crimes Defense
Federal Crimes — Experienced representation in complex federal criminal cases.
Divorce and Custody Attorneys
Divorce and Custody Attorneys — Compassionate yet strong representation in uncontested and contested divorces and child custody disputes.
Family & Divorce Law Attorneys
Family & Divorce Law Attorneys — Expert guidance on divorce, child custody, adoption, guardianship, and other family law matters.
Juvenile Dependency
Juvenile Dependency — We guide parents through DHR dependency cases, court hearings, and reunification efforts.
Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts Attorneys
Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts — We help clients create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other documents to protect assets and carry out your wishes.
Business Law Attorneys
Business Law Attorneys — Assistance with choosing the right legal structure (LLC, corporation, etc.), contracts, and general business legal needs.
Civil Appeals Attorneys
Civil Appeals Attorneys and Appellate Attorney — Handling civil appeals throughout Alabama to correct legal errors.
Worker’s Compensation / Workplace Injury Attorney
Workplace Injury Attorney — Help navigating Alabama workers’ compensation claims for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits.
Client Portal
Client Portal — Secure access for existing clients to case information and documents.
Contact Us
Contact Us — Call (256) 571-1529 or visit our office at 1320 Gunter Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976. Schedule a Consultation
Recommendations & Testimonials
Recommendations & Reviews — Read what our clients say about their experience with Guntersville Law, LLC.
Blog
Blog — Latest articles on Alabama law topics, including DUI defense, personal injury claims, family law updates, and more.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy — Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

