How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Louisiana?

By William L. Godley

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Divorce

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Last Modified on May 14, 2025

Facing a divorce can be a challenging experience. No one enters a relationship with the intention that it will end. Unfortunately, couples can experience difficulties that are too insurmountable and must part ways. This can bring with it a multitude of difficulties, one of which is the financial impact of the process. If you are wondering how much does a divorce cost in Louisiana, you are not alone. The answer, however, is complex and dependent on a variety of factors.

Filing Fees

Filing a divorce claim in Louisiana starts with a court fee. These fees vary by parish, and an attorney can help you understand what the fees may look like in your specific area. The complexity of the divorce could impact the costs associated with filing.

After filing, the court requires one spouse to serve the papers to the other. The cost of serving papers depends on how the service happens. Using a sheriff may cost less than hiring a private party. But both charge a fee.

Some claims may also need extra court actions. This can include motions for child support or custody. Each step adds new costs. Some parishes charge more for extra copies. Each of these small changes adds up over time.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Contested divorces cost more than uncontested ones. In a contested case, both spouses disagree about one or more issues. This could include who keeps the house, who gets custody of the children, or what spousal support may look like. With the parties unable to agree, this process can often become contentious and require mediation, negotiations through representing attorneys, and even lengthy court battles.

The complexity of these cases often means additional time invested by an attorney, which can drive up the cost for clients. The attorney’s role is to represent the interests of their client and will work through all difficulties of the divorce process on their behalf. The costs associated with utilizing an attorney in a contested divorce far outweigh the challenges of facing it alone and the risk of losing out on meaningful and important elements of the divorce settlement.

Conversely, in an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on every part of the case. These cases move faster and cost less. There may still be court fees and some attorney work. There is often less contention in these types of divorces because the parties can reach an agreement independent of legal representation. Often, an uncontested divorce can be settled without a lengthy or complex trial.

Other Legal Costs

Divorce costs go beyond court fees. Other parts of the process include:

• Mediation. Sometimes, both spouses want to settle but can’t agree on one part. They can try mediation. A neutral person helps them talk through the dispute. Mediators charge hourly. Costs go up if the session lasts more than one day.
• Property appraisals. This applies when the couple owns a house or land. The court might need to know what it’s worth. A professional appraiser gives an estimate. The cost can vary based on the size of the property.
• Child custody. The court may order a professional to look at the family’s situation. This can decide who gets custody. These reports can include home visits. The cost depends on how detailed the report needs to be.
• Skilled witnesses. Some cases involve financial consultants or psychologists who testify in court. These professionals prepare reports beforehand. Each one charges for their time.

Each of these costs can raise the total cost of the divorce. They are more likely to come up in contested cases. Don’t let divorce costs overwhelm you. Godley Law Firm in Lake Charles provides dedicated legal assistance. If you need a divorce lawyer, contact us.

Child Custody

Child-related issues often raise the cost of divorce. The process can be simpler if both parents agree on a custody plan. But when parents disagree, the court must step in. This means additional evaluations and sometimes full trials.

The court’s focus is the child’s well-being. Judges may ask for reports and issue temporary plans. These extra steps increase legal fees. Lawyers spend more hours preparing for court and reviewing documents.

Child support claims to add more work. Each parent must show income and expenses. The court uses a set formula to decide the amount. Disputes about income can still lead to more filings. Each added step means more costs.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Some people think it’s cheaper to file for divorce without an attorney. However, this can lead to extra expenses over time. If the paperwork is wrong or missing, the claim could get rejected. A lawyer might have to fix mistakes later. This ends up costing more overall.

Attorneys know about alternative forms of dispute resolution. They can recommend options that do not necessarily lead to a trial. It can help both parties agree before filing.

If you are facing a contested divorce and rising costs in Lake Charles, Godley Law Firm offers experienced legal support. Contact us for a consultation on your divorce.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Louisiana?

A: The cheapest way to get a divorce in Louisiana is for it to be uncontested. This is where both spouses agree on everything. That includes how to divide property. If both parties agree, one spouse can file a claim and serve the other. The court still needs to approve the final order. This will still include a filing fee with the court.

Q: What Is the Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Louisiana?

A: Both the wife and husband are entitled to community property in a divorce in Louisiana, as the law does not discriminate based on gender. This means both spouses own the assets gained during the marriage equally. Both spouses can ask for their share of the community property unless there is a separate agreement. If the couple has children, both spouses can also ask for child support.

Q: What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce in Louisiana?

A: The average costs of a divorce in Louisiana depend on many factors, including the type of divorce, the cost of an attorney, and the various court fees you may encounter. During your initial consultation with a lawyer, discuss the details of your divorce and whether you anticipate a contested or uncontested process. These factors, amongst others, will allow your lawyer to more accurately predict the costs you could expect.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Simple Divorce in Louisiana?

A: The length of time it takes to get a simple divorce in Louisiana can be a few months. The biggest factor is whether the couple has children. Louisiana also requires a waiting period. If there are no children, the couple must live apart for 180 days before the court finalizes the divorce. If there are minor children, that wait goes up to 365 days.

Louisiana Divorce Lawyer

On average, there were 0.9 divorces per 1000 people in Louisiana in 2023. This is lower than the national average of 2.4 divorces per 1000 people. Knowing the costs can help ease some of the pressure. Schedule a consultation with the Godley Law Firm for a divorce lawyer who can give you a clearer picture of divorce costs.

About the author: William L. Godley

Senior Partner at Godley Law Firm

William L. Godley is a Senior Partner at Godley Law Firm in Lake Charles, Louisiana, focusing on complex family law matters. With experience dating back to his admission to the bar in 1989, Mr. Godley is a trusted advisor known for his comprehensive knowledge of divorce, custody, visitation, child support, and adoption law. He earned his J.D. from Southern University and his B.A. from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. His extensive background ensures that clients receive expert, well-informed counsel in sensitive legal areas.

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