📅 2026 Update: Changes in Louisiana Divorce Laws

Since the original article was published, there have been no significant legislative changes to Louisiana divorce laws from 2024 to 2026. The information in this update reflects the current fees, processes, and available resources for those going through a divorce in Louisiana. You can find more detailed information in the article below.

🏛️ No Major Legislative Changes

From 2024 to 2026, Louisiana's divorce laws have remained stable. There have been no new laws affecting the divorce process, eligibility, or requirements. This consistency can help individuals navigate their divorce with a clear understanding of the legal landscape.

💵 Current Costs

The costs associated with filing for divorce in Louisiana are as follows:

  • 💰 Filing Fee: The fee to initiate a divorce case is $250.
  • 📜 Service of Process: Serving divorce papers through a sheriff costs $50. Private servers may charge more.
  • 📝 Certified Copy: A certified copy of the divorce decree costs $10 per copy.

📝 Forms and Steps

When filing for divorce, several forms are required:

  • 📄 Basic Petition Form: This form starts the divorce process and collects information about both spouses.
  • 👶 Additional Forms for Children: If children are involved, extra forms for custody and support must be completed.
  • 💼 Property and Support Forms: These are necessary for cases involving significant assets or spousal support.

⏳ Processing Times

Processing times for divorces can vary based on the type of divorce:

  • 🏆 Uncontested Divorce: This can be finalized in 1–3 months, depending on court schedules.
  • 🚧 Contested Divorce: This type may take 6–18 months or longer if disputes arise.

📌 Key Points

  • No legislative changes from 2024 to 2026.
  • Filing fee of $250; service fees vary.
  • Several forms needed depending on circumstances.
  • Uncontested divorces may take 1–3 months; contested can take much longer.

💡 Tips for Navigating Divorce in Louisiana

Review the specifics of your situation with your attorney.

🏡 Understand Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Louisiana, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months. Ensure you meet this requirement before proceeding.

🕒 Know the Separation Period

For a no-fault divorce, you must live separately for 180 days if there are no minor children. If children are involved, the separation must last 365 days.

📋 Complete All Necessary Forms

Make sure to fill out all required forms accurately. This includes the basic petition and any additional forms related to children or property.

🔄 Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange financial information during the divorce process. This step is crucial, especially if property division or support is contested.

⚖️ Attend Required Hearings

Be prepared to attend court hearings as necessary. This is important for finalizing agreements and ensuring compliance with court requirements.

📖 Utilize Available Resources

Take advantage of free legal resources, like BayouJustice, which offers comprehensive forms and plain-language instructions for navigating the divorce process.

🏆 Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

For those looking for assistance with divorce forms and procedures, several services are available. These services provide resources that can help individuals navigate the complexities of divorce in Louisiana. The following rankings are based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026.

Remember that scores can change over time, and unhappy customers tend to leave more feedback, which might skew perceptions.

🥇 1. DivorceWriter

DivorceWriter has been rated 4.4. It specializes in providing uncontested divorce forms tailored to state and county requirements. However, some customers note issues with understanding pricing and additional costs that may not be fully explained.

🥈 2. 3StepDivorce™

3StepDivorce™ holds a score of 2.4. This service is known for offering state-specific divorce forms with step-by-step filing procedures. Reviewers have reported concerns about customer service and unexpected fees, which may affect the overall experience.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Options

BayouJustice offers free legal forms and instructions for those in Louisiana. Additionally, the Louisiana State Bar Association provides self-help forms and information about divorce law. Local legal aid organizations also assist low-income individuals, making these resources valuable for those who qualify.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 🔍 Trustpilot scores and customer reviews for insights.
  • 📄 Types of forms offered and their relevance to your situation.
  • 💵 Pricing transparency and any additional fees.
  • 🗂️ User experience regarding ease of use and support.
  • 🆓 Availability of free resources for those in need.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🧐 What are the grounds for fault-based divorce in Louisiana?

Fault-based grounds include adultery, felony convictions with hard labor, and abuse with a protective order or conviction. These grounds can allow for immediate divorce in certain situations.

📅 How long does a contested divorce take?

A contested divorce in Louisiana may take anywhere from 6 to 18 months or longer, depending on the complexity and disputes involved.

🏛️ Are there any fee waivers available?

Yes, individuals below 125–200% of the federal poverty level can apply for fee waivers by requesting an In Forma Pauperis application from the court clerk.

📑 What happens if I don’t respond to a divorce petition?

If you do not respond to a divorce petition within 15 days, the court may proceed without your input, potentially impacting your rights regarding property and custody.

🏡 How do I confirm my eligibility to file for divorce?

To confirm eligibility, ensure you meet the residency requirement and have completed the necessary separation period based on your circumstances.

📞 Where can I find certified copies of my divorce decree?

Certified copies of your divorce decree can be obtained from the court for a fee of $10 per copy. This is important for legal purposes like name changes.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Divorce

Recent court rulings in Louisiana have focused on various aspects of divorce, including custody arrangements and property division. These cases can provide insight into how the courts may interpret laws and handle disputes.

To learn more about recent rulings, visit more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



Quick Guide to Louisiana Divorce Forms



 

Louisiana Divorce Forms


Louisiana divorce forms are easy to come by and quite easy to fill out.  All of the LA divorce forms are listed under the official website of the Family Court division of Louisiana State Court.  There are 20 Louisiana divorce forms offered to people who want fill out and submit the documents alone.    



 



Even though most of LA divorce forms are easy to fill out, you should always seek the legal advice of a family law attorney before initiating a divorce.  A lawyer will make sure there are no mistakes within any of the documents that would delay or even affect the final result of your case.  



 



Below of are some of the LA divorce forms offered by the Family Court:



 



Default Confirmation Under Article 1702 E



 



This document is a simple LA divorce form and asks simple questions like when separation occurred and whether there are any children.  The form must be signed by an attorney verifying all of the information is correct and dated correctly.  



 



Form A: Expense Affidavit 



This form is a complete list of all finances involved within the divorce.  Louisiana’s expense affidavit is easier to fill out than other states and includes the following:



 



• Gross monthly income



• Itemized payroll deductions



• A complete list of all living expenses



• Educational and other expenses



• Total amount of fixed debt



 



Child Support Worksheet R.S. 9:315.9(B)



 



This LA divorce form asks for very detailed information regarding child support.  You should seek the advice of a lawyer when filling out this document, which includes the following:



 



• Monthly gross income



• Monthly adjusted income



• Combined monthly adjusted gross income



• Percentage share of income



• Basic child support obligation



• Shared custody basic obligation



• Each party’s theoretical child support obligation



• Percentage



• Basic child support obligation for time with other party



• Total expenses and extraordinary expenses



• Proportional shares



• Direct payments



• A total recommended child support order



 



Form F- Certification of Applicant’s Attorney



 



This Louisiana divorce form makes an attorney list all documents and dates they recommended for the client.  Similarly, the document also asks what recommendations a lawyer didn’t notify a client about.  



 



Louisiana Civil Code Article 102 Divorce Form



 



This form must be filled out by an attorney and given to the court on the date of the hearing.  The form is for filing purposes and confirms that the divorce may legally proceed.  



 



Application for Ex-Parte Temporary Custody Order Article 3945 B(1)



 



This form is used to gain immediate custody of a child that is in the care of the other parent.  The form states that immediate and irreparable injury will result to the child or children named in the petition if they aren’t returned immediately.  A spouse must list specific reasons why they child must be returned.  



 



Judgment of Partition of Community



 



This LA divorce form serves as a final financial statement before the trial is closed.  The document lists all payments that must be paid to each spouse and what property must be given to each spouse.