Filing for divorce in Louisiana without a lawyer is possible but Louisiana has one of the more complex divorce processes in the United States. Louisiana requires a mandatory separation period of 180 days for couples without children and 365 days for couples with minor children before a divorce can be granted. The filing fee is approximately $150. This guide explains every step of the DIY divorce process in Louisiana.
Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Louisiana?
Louisiana divorce without a lawyer is most practical when both spouses agree on all major issues and have already completed the required separation period. Louisiana does not have a simple “uncontested divorce” process like many other states — instead both spouses must live separately for the required period before the divorce can be finalized.
- Both spouses have lived separately for the required separation period
- Both spouses agree on property division, debts, and support
- There is no history of domestic violence or coercion
- Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign documents
Louisiana residency requirement
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Louisiana for a minimum of 12 months before filing for divorce. You must file in the District Court of the parish where either spouse lives.
Louisiana separation requirement
Louisiana requires spouses to live separately before a divorce can be granted:
- Without minor children: 180 days of living separately
- With minor children: 365 days of living separately
There are two ways to handle this in Louisiana. You can file the Petition for Divorce first and then wait out the separation period, or you can complete the separation period first and then file. Filing first starts the clock on the separation period officially.
Step-by-step divorce process in Louisiana
Step 1 — Download Louisiana divorce forms
Louisiana divorce forms are available from the Louisiana Supreme Court website at lasc.org. Many parish courts also have their own self-help resources. Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org provides additional free resources.
Step 2 — File at your parish District Court
File your completed Petition for Divorce at the District Court in your parish. The filing fee is approximately $150 in most Louisiana parishes though fees vary significantly by parish. Orleans Parish (New Orleans) and Jefferson Parish may have different fees.
Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Petition and Citation. Your spouse can sign a Waiver of Service to avoid formal service. Otherwise use the parish sheriff. Your spouse has 15 days to respond after being served.
Step 4 — Complete the separation period
After filing and service, you must wait out the mandatory separation period — 180 days without children or 365 days with children. During this time both spouses must live in separate residences.
Step 5 — File a Rule to Show Cause
After the separation period is complete, you file a Rule to Show Cause asking the court to grant the divorce. The court schedules a brief hearing. For uncontested cases, the hearing is typically short and the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce.
Required forms for divorce in Louisiana
- Petition for Divorce
- Citation and Waiver of Service (if spouse waives service)
- Consent Judgment of Divorce (if both spouses agree)
- Rule to Show Cause (filed after separation period)
- Judgment of Divorce
- If children are involved: Parenting Plan and Child Support Guidelines
Forms are available at louisianalawhelp.org.
How much does a divorce cost in Louisiana?
The court filing fee in Louisiana is approximately $150 in most parishes though fees vary significantly. For a DIY divorce, your total court costs are typically $150–$400. Attorney fees for an uncontested divorce in Louisiana typically range from $1,500 to $4,000. Contested divorces with attorneys can cost $10,000–$25,000 or more.
How long does a divorce take in Louisiana?
Due to the mandatory separation requirements, the minimum total time for a divorce in Louisiana is approximately 6–9 months without children and 12–15 months with children. The court process itself after the separation period is typically 1–3 months. Contested divorces can take 2–3 years.
Frequently asked questions — Louisiana divorce
Is Louisiana a community property state?
Yes. Louisiana is one of nine community property states. Most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered community property and are typically divided equally between spouses. Louisiana also has a unique concept called “separate property” which includes assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance.
Is Louisiana a no-fault divorce state?
Louisiana allows no-fault divorce based on living separately for the required period. Louisiana also allows fault-based divorce on grounds including adultery and felony conviction, which can be faster since they do not require a separation period.
What is a Covenant Marriage in Louisiana?
Louisiana is one of only three states that offer Covenant Marriage — a special type of marriage that requires premarital counseling and has stricter divorce requirements. If you entered a Covenant Marriage, the divorce process is different and more restrictive than a regular marriage divorce. Consulting an attorney is strongly recommended for Covenant Marriage divorces.
Can I file for divorce in Louisiana without my spouse’s cooperation?
Yes. You can file a contested divorce in Louisiana without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served by the parish sheriff and has 15 days to respond. The separation period still applies regardless of whether your spouse cooperates.
What if I cannot afford the Louisiana divorce filing fee?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit of Poverty with the court. If your income qualifies, the court may waive the filing fee and other court costs.
Divorce guides in other states
Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Arizona
- Washington
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Legal disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Louisiana vary by parish and individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Louisiana.