Do your own divorce
Louisiana - Divorce Requirements
The following information is to provide a basic understanding of the various aspects of Louisiana divorce.

Every effort has been made to assure that the information contained in these pages is accurate however, due to the ever changing nature of the law some material may be outdated or may no longer apply.

Residency Requirements 1 year
Where to File The Parish in which the Respondent resides
Grounds for Divorce Adultery
Bigamy ( grounds for annulment )
Felony Conviction or Imprisonment
Fraud, Force or Duress ( grounds for annulment )
Living Separate and Apart
Voluntary or required mediation Yes
Voluntary or recommended CounselingYes
Property Distribution Louisiana is a community property state. Separate property is retained by the owner, and all other community property in the marriage is distributed equitably.
Child Custody Custody is awarded with the best interests of the child or children in mind. The following factors are generally considered: the age and sex of child, the wishes of the parents, the child's ability to adapt to a new environment, the mental and physical health of the parents and child, and the relationship each parent has with the child, the desire and capability of each parent, and the respect each parent has for the child's relationship with the other parent.
Uniform Child Custody Act: 1978
Is Joint Custody awarded? YES
Do Grandparents Have the Right to Visitation? YES
Are Child's Wishes Considered? YES
Child Support Both parents are required to provide the support of maintenance, insurance, and education of the child. There are specific guidelines to be followed, unless when proven to be unjust. The following factors are generally considered: a child's need for contact with both parents, the joint responsibilities for the welfare of the child, the financial resources, cost of day care, and the standard of living the child would have otherwise enjoyed had not the divorce taken place.
Spousal Support Support can be ordered to either spouse. Marital fault may be a consideration. Employment possibilities of the spouse tends to cause the greatest influence on the decision. Living conditions similar to those when marriage existed is attempted to be restored, but a lot of factors play a significant role.