Simplifying Divorce in Louisiana: An Overview of the Process

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Navigating through a divorce can be tough. That’s why we’ve created this page. It’s all about understanding divorce in Louisiana. We want to make things a bit easier for you by sharing key information. Remember, we’ve got more detailed resources and links right here to help you out.

Divorce Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana has its own way of handling divorces. First off, you can file for a no-fault divorce or a fault-based one. For a no-fault divorce, couples need to live apart for a certain period. In Louisiana, it’s 180 days if there are no children from the marriage, and 365 days if there are. As for fault-based divorces, reasons can include adultery or felony conviction. You must live in Louisiana for at least 12 months before filing. Louisiana is unique because it’s a community property state. This means property and debts from the marriage are split 50/50, which is not the case in all states.

Process of Filing for Divorce

To start a divorce in Louisiana, you file a Petition for Divorce in the parish where either spouse lives. You’ll need to fill out some forms. These include the petition and a summons for your spouse. After filing, you must serve the papers to your spouse. This is a key step. You can do this through a sheriff or a private process server. In Louisiana, there’s also an option to file a joint petition if both parties agree on everything.

Child Custody and Support

Louisiana courts focus on the child’s best interests when deciding custody. They look at many things like the child’s relationship with each parent and the parent’s ability to care for the child. Joint custody is common, but not always the rule. Support calculations in Louisiana follow guidelines based on income and the number of kids. There’s a calculator you can use to get an idea of what to expect. Louisiana’s approach is pretty straightforward but always focuses on what’s best for the child.

Alimony/Spousal Support

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is not automatic in Louisiana. The court looks at each case. They consider things like the marriage length, the need of the requesting spouse, and the ability to pay. There are two types: interim and final. Interim is temporary, while final is more long-term.

Property Division

In Louisiana, dividing property in a divorce is based on community property rules. This means most things you got during your marriage are split evenly. This includes property and debts. Louisiana’s approach is pretty direct, but it’s important to understand what counts as community property.

Louisiana Divorce Resources

Ready to learn more? Check out the detailed resources and links we have for you. They include Louisiana family law courts, official government resources, and legal aid groups. They’re great for getting deeper into the specifics of divorce in Louisiana.

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