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Contested Divorce in Louisiana

What to expect from a contested divorce in Louisiana. Timeline, costs, and strategies. Louisiana is a community property state.

Property Type

Community

Filing Fee

$200–$400

Median Cost

$9,000–$38,000

Annual Divorces

17,000+

Understanding Contested Divorce in Louisiana

To file for divorce in Louisiana, you must meet Louisiana’s residency requirement of 6 months. The filing fee is $200–$400. There is a mandatory waiting period of 180 days (no-fault) before the divorce can be finalized.

Louisiana allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Fault grounds include: Adultery, Felony conviction with imprisonment. Filing on fault grounds may affect property division or alimony awards.

An uncontested divorce in Louisiana typically costs $9,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $38,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is La. C.C. Art. 102.

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Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Louisiana to file for divorce?
Louisiana requires 6 months of residency before you can file for divorce. La. C.C. Art. 102 governs the filing requirements.
Is Louisiana a community property or equitable distribution state?
Louisiana follows community property rules, meaning marital assets are generally split 50/50.
How much does a divorce cost in Louisiana?
Filing fees in Louisiana range from $200–$400. The median total cost is approximately $9,000 for uncontested divorces and $38,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a mandatory waiting period of 180 days (no-fault). Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about contested divorce in Louisiana and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with La. C.C. Art. 102 or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.