Louisiana Family Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Louisiana family law attorneys who can navigate Louisiana’s unique civil-law and community property framework. Whether you’re in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, or anywhere in the state, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Under Article 102, the parties must live separate and apart for 180 days (no minor children) or 365 days (with minor children) before the divorce is granted. Article 103(1) requires the same separation periods without filing first. Fault-based divorces under Article 103(2)–(5) can be faster but require proof. Realistic timelines: 8–14 months minimum.

Yes — under La. Civ. Code arts. 102 and 103(1), the parties can obtain a no-fault divorce after 180 days (no minor children) or 365 days (with minor children) of living separate and apart. Louisiana also retains fault grounds for divorce.

Yes for no-fault: 180 days without minor children, 365 days with minor children, before the no-fault divorce can be granted. Fault grounds (adultery, felony conviction with hard labor, physical or sexual abuse, protective order) don’t require the separation period.

Louisiana is a community property state. All property acquired during the marriage is presumptively community property and divided equally upon partition (La. Civ. Code art. 2336). Separate property — owned before marriage, acquired by donation, or fruits of separate property if reserved — remains with the original owner under arts. 2341-2342. Louisiana also recognizes covenant marriage with separate divorce rules.

Louisiana applies a best-interests standard under La. Civ. Code art. 134 with 12 factors including emotional ties, capacity, history of abuse, stability, and willingness to facilitate the other parent’s relationship. Joint custody is favored by statute (art. 132), but courts can award sole custody when it’s in the child’s best interests.

Louisiana uses the Income Shares model under La. R.S. § 9:315 et seq. Both parents’ combined gross incomes are applied to the state schedule and prorated, with adjustments for healthcare, childcare, and shared custody (when each parent has 50% of the time).

Yes. Custody can be modified on a material change in circumstances (Bergeron standard if a considered decree). Child support requires a material change. Final spousal support modification depends on the decree. Property division (partition) is final.

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Louisiana?

Louisiana is the only U.S. state with a civil-law system, codified in the Louisiana Civil Code. Louisiana is a community property state under La. Civ. Code art. 2336 — all property acquired during the marriage is presumptively owned 50/50 by the spouses. Louisiana has unique divorce procedures: Article 102 divorce (file first, then 180 days separation if no minor children / 365 days with minor children), Article 103(1) divorce (after the same separation period without filing), and Article 103(2)–(5) fault divorce (adultery, felony conviction, abuse, etc.). Domicile in Louisiana is required, with venue based on residence. Custody is decided under La. Civ. Code art. 134’s 12 factors. Louisiana uses Income Shares under La. R.S. § 9:315 et seq.

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Louisiana?

Our network includes Louisiana family law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Family Law Cases in Louisiana

From the moment you connect with a Louisiana family law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Treating Louisiana like a common-law state — it’s a civil-law state with the Civil Code as the primary authority

Hiding assets — Louisiana community property doctrine punishes concealment with reimbursement and damages

Posting on social media — Louisiana courts admit it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Louisiana when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 180/365-day separation requirement for no-fault divorce

Treating Louisiana like a common-law state — it’s a civil-law state with the Civil Code as the primary authority

Hiding assets — Louisiana community property doctrine punishes concealment with reimbursement and damages

Posting on social media — Louisiana courts admit it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Louisiana when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 180/365-day separation requirement for no-fault divorce

Common Louisiana Family Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Louisiana Family Law Attorneys Cost?

Flat Fee

Most matters are billed as a flat fee per petition or filing — fee depends on case complexity.

Family law cases in Louisiana are not handled on contingency. Louisiana Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Louisiana family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under La. R.S. § 9:375.

What Can Your Louisiana Family Law Compensation Include?

Property Division

Community Property — equal partition of community property under La. Civ. Code art. 2336 et seq. Separate property exempt under arts. 2341-2342.

Spousal Support

Interim periodic support during proceedings (art. 113) and final periodic spousal support after divorce (art. 112). Fault bars final support.

Child Support

La. R.S. § 9:315 Income Shares with shared custody adjustments.

Custody and Parenting Time

Joint custody favored under art. 132; best-interests factors under art. 134 (12 factors) drive custody decisions.

Attorney’s Fees

Louisiana courts award fees in domestic relations under La. R.S. § 9:375 based on the parties’ ability and need.

Protective Orders

Domestic Abuse Assistance Act orders (La. R.S. § 46:2131) — ex parte and 6-month orders renewable.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Louisiana Family Law Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Louisiana?

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Louisiana?

Types of Family Law Cases in Louisiana

Common Louisiana Family Law Mistakes

How Much Do Louisiana Family Law Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Louisiana Family Law Compensation Include?

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