How to File for Divorce in Louisiana
Complete guide to Louisiana divorce process, forms, and requirements for 2025
Steps to File for Divorce in Louisiana
1
Meet Residency Requirements
One spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana. File in the parish where either spouse is domiciled.
2
Choose Type of Divorce
Louisiana offers "102 Divorce" (file then wait 180/365 days) or "103 Divorce" (already lived apart 180/365 days).
3
File the Petition
File a Petition for Divorce with the appropriate District Court. Louisiana allows no-fault divorce based on living separate and apart.
4
Serve Your Spouse
Your spouse must be served with the petition. They have 15 days (or 30 if out of state) to respond.
5
Complete Separation Period
Must live separate and apart for 180 days (no children) or 365 days (with children) before divorce can be granted.
6
Finalize the Divorce
After the separation period, file a Rule to Show Cause and attend hearing for your Judgment of Divorce.
Louisiana Divorce Requirements
Residency Requirement
Domicile
One spouse must be domiciled (intend to remain) in Louisiana. No minimum time period.
Separation Period
180 or 365 Days
180 days without children, 365 days with children. Must live separate and apart.
Filing Fees
$400+
Filing fees vary by parish. Additional fees for service and certified copies.
Required Louisiana Divorce Forms
Petition for Divorce
Primary form to initiate divorce
Citation
Notice to respondent spouse
Rule to Show Cause
Motion for final hearing
Judgment of Divorce
Final divorce decree
Child Custody and Support
If applicable, custody and support forms
102 vs 103 Divorce in Louisiana
Article 102 Divorce
- File petition first
- Then live apart for required period
- 180 days (no children) or 365 days (with children)
- File motion after separation complete
- Most common procedure
- Starts clock on separation
Article 103 Divorce
- Already lived apart for required period
- File and can finalize quickly
- Must prove separation period
- Need witnesses or documentation
- Faster if already separated
- One-step process
Important Things to Know
Louisiana is a community property state - property acquired during marriage is divided 50/50. Louisiana also offers covenant marriage with stricter requirements. The separation period cannot be waived.
Louisiana-Specific Considerations
- Louisiana is a community property state
- 180 days separation (no children) or 365 days (with children)
- Covenant marriage requires counseling and limited grounds
- 102 vs 103 divorce procedures
- Community property divided 50/50
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