Lake Charles Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer

Lake Charles Same-Sex Divorce Attorney

Navigating a divorce can be hard, no matter the circumstances. Even still, same-sex divorces come with specific challenges that can be difficult to navigate without the right information and support on your side. If you are going through this process in Louisiana, a Lake Charles same-sex divorce lawyer can provide the guidance and support you need.

Since first opening our doors, Godley Law Firm has been helping Louisiana residents through divorces of all types. My name is William L. Godley, the founder of this firm, and I’m committed to putting my 25+ years of experience to work for you so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. If you’re facing a same-sex divorce in Louisiana, don’t navigate it alone—contact Godley Law Firm today for experienced, compassionate legal support you can trust.

A Look at Divorce in Louisiana

Louisiana has a fairly low divorce rate compared to other states, with 0.7 divorces per 1,000 people. In fact, it has the lowest divorce rate in the country. Still, divorce impacts real families living throughout the state, especially when it comes to Calcasieu Parish.

About 37 percent of the parish’s population is divorced, including 14 percent of women and 10 percent of men in the region. In Lake Charles alone, approximately 25.8 thousand people are separated or divorced.

If you’re facing a divorce, it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to assigning alimony, determining child support, or dividing assets. Our team at Godley Law Firm can evaluate your case and provide support throughout the process so you can make informed decisions and protect your interests.

Common Issues in Same-Sex Divorces in Lake Charles, LA

For the most part, the legal process for same-sex divorce is the same as it is for heterosexual couples. That said, same-sex partners can face unique issues in a divorce when it comes to determining:

• Alimony. In many cases, spousal support is determined by how long a couple is married, which can be misconstrued in same-sex relationships, as couples didn’t have the right to get married until relatively recently.
• Length of the marriage. Dividing separate and community property in a same-sex marriage can be challenging, especially if couples spent many years together before they had the legal right to marry and had already begun building a life. Therefore, they may have purchased certain assets that they consider community property, but the state considers them separate property.
• Parental rights. Issues like child support and custody can also be more complicated between same-sex partners, especially if only one is the biological parent of the child.
• Taxes. The length of the marriage also plays into common tax implications after a divorce. Since the length of the marriage and the length of the relationship are often very disproportionate, this can lead to issues when settling the divorce.

Grounds for Divorce in Louisiana

You or your spouse must be living in the state for six months or more before you can file for divorce in Louisiana. You can file for either fault-based or no-fault divorce, depending on the details of your situation. The grounds for fault-based divorce include abandonment, abuse, adultery, or cruelty.

You don’t need to have a specific reason to file a no-fault divorce beyond having irreconcilable differences. However, you must be separated and living apart for at least six months in order to obtain a no-fault divorce in Louisiana. If you and your spouse have minor children together, this time apart is extended to one year.

Once you file the official petition for divorce, you can expect to wait at least 30 days for everything to be finalized. That said, the exact time it takes to get divorced depends entirely on the details of your case and the court’s schedule.

Navigating a same-sex divorce in Louisiana can be complex, but with over 25 years of experience, Attorney William L. Godley provides compassionate, knowledgeable guidance tailored to your unique situation. His personal understanding of divorce, combined with a creative approach to family law, ensures you receive the support and clarity needed during this challenging time. Contact Godley Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights with an experienced Lake Charles same-sex divorce lawyer by your side.

FAQs

Talk to a Lake Charles Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer to Discuss Your Situation

There are specific laws and requirements in place for same-sex divorce in Louisiana, which is why it can be helpful to work with a Lake Charles same-sex divorce lawyer. At Godley Law Firm, you can count on quality care from a team you can trust.

I have 25 years of experience representing clients in complex divorces, including LGBTQIA+ cases. If you’re ready to discuss your divorce in more detail, reach out to set up an appointment today.