How To File for Divorce in Louisiana? Step by Step Guide 2026

Divorce cases are rarely ever easy. Between the emotional toll these family matters can take and the complexity of the matters you must settle, it’s a lot for anyone to shoulder. No matter your story, you must operate within Louisiana divorce laws if you want to secure your ideal outcome in a divorce case. It helps to know more about how to file for divorce in Louisiana.

Divorce Cases in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to over 4,600,000 people, and 42 percent of women and 46 percent of men are married. The divorce rate in Louisiana is 0.9 per 1,000 people, which is fairly low when compared to other states. That said, the marriage rate is also the lowest in the nation at 3.7 per 1,000 people. Still, divorce can impact many families, including children. You may have to settle any number of tasks during a divorce case. The good news is you can attempt to do so through mediation, allowing you to create a plan outside the confines of a courtroom.

Mediation allows for more flexibility in your plans for your futures, separate from one another, making it a viable option for any divorce case. There are many different matters to settle in a divorce that can be accomplished through mediation or litigation, including:

• Child custody arrangements
• Child support payments
• Insurance policies
• Property division
• Spousal support payments
• Tax implications
• Visitation schedules

It’s beneficial to understand common mistakes spouses make during divorce mediation in Baton Rouge, LA, and how to avoid them for yourself. Although a Baton Rouge family lawyer can facilitate this process, it’s good to have a basic understanding of the mediation process for yourself, too.

How to File for Divorce in Louisiana

The divorce process starts with filing a petition with the court. The type of petition you file depends on the type of divorce you’re filing. You can file for either fault-based or no-fault divorce in Louisiana. No-fault divorces are the most common option as they do not require any proof of fault for the breakdown of the marriage.

After the spouse is formally served, you can enter mediation to settle the terms of your divorce together. If you’re unable to reach an agreement out of court, you can enter litigation to have a judge make a final decision regarding your case. You can count on a Louisiana divorce attorney to help you through your case, regardless of how it escalates.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer

The more you know about Louisiana divorce laws, the better chance you have at navigating your divorce case. It’s also helpful to hire a divorce lawyer to help you navigate through the steps of the process and help with any challenges that arise along the way. Even so, it’s beneficial to know how to file for divorce in Louisiana for yourself, too.

Ending a marriage can be a stressful time, even if it’s ultimately the right choice for you and your spouse. It can be complicated to navigate through a divorce case both emotionally and logistically. That’s why it’s recommended to hire a divorce lawyer.

Once you decide to separate, there are important steps to take. With a Louisiana divorce attorney on your side, you can rest assured you’re working with a professional who understands your goals and is prepared to fight for you. Even the most uncontested divorce case can require legal support.