Alabama · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Alabama: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for Alabama, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Alabama

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$6,000
Court
District Court small claims
Filing fee
$77–$255
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Alabama

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
60 days
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
7 business days
Notice before the landlord enters
2 days

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Alabama

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
US DOL (no state program)
Minimum wage (2026)
$7.25
Final paycheck if fired
No state deadline
Deadline to file a wage claim
See the guide

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Alabama

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
12 mo / 12,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
3 repairs · 30 calendar days
Covers used cars
No
Before you sue
If maker has a program

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Alabama

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
30 days from notice date (county BOE)
Where you appeal first
County Board of Equalization protest
Median effective tax rate
0.38%
Median yearly tax on a home
$788

Closed for 2026As of October 21, 2026, the 2026 protest windows have closed in most counties because they ran 30 days from spring and summer notices. If you never got a notice that your value went up, you can still ask the county Board of Equalization to reopen your assessment; confirm the last date you can ask with the county, since taxes become delinquent after December 31, 2026. The next window opens when 2027 valuation notices go out, usually between March and July 2027 depending on the county. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Alabama

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
$4,000
Homestead deadline
October 1 – December 31
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
Full exemption (100% rating)

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Alabama

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
Alabama Unclaimed Property
Held by the state
Over $1 billion (January 2024)
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Alabama

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
6 months (with exceptions)
Waiting period
30 days after filing
Filing fee
Check with your court

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Alabama

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Alabama
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit60 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent7 business daysTenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claimSee the guideWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedNo state deadlineWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period12 mo / 12,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineYou must file suit within 3 years after the car was first delivered to you (Ala. Code § 8-20A-6).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appeal30 days from notice date (county BOE)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineOctober 1 – December 31Exemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file6 months (with exceptions)Divorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting period30 days after filingDivorce Law Map

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Links checked Oct 2026. Sources are listed in how we research.

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