Prepare your documents for Divorce in Louisiana
This website helps prepare the forms required for Divorce in Louisiana.
An overview of the cases at is here
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help determine if a Divorce is the right option for your situation.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult a legal aid advocate or family law professional for guidance when filing for a divorce in Louisiana. These professionals can review your pleadings or agreements, explain your legal rights under Louisiana law, and help ensure your documents are complete. While not required, their support can make the process smoother—especially if you are filing without an attorney.
4. File with the Clerk
To begin the process of filing for a divorce in Louisiana, the petitioner must file a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of Court in the parish where either spouse is domiciled. Filing fees apply unless waived due to financial hardship. The required pleadings and supporting documents must be submitted in accordance with Louisiana law, and service on the other spouse is required unless waived.
Process
Step 1
You: Gather documentation. What do you need to file for divorce in Louisiana?
Gathering documentation strengthens your case when filing for a divorce in Louisiana. Even in an uncontested divorce, providing organized and accurate documents helps ensure the process proceeds smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays.
The following are commonly required or accepted types of documentation under Louisiana law:
Evidence Type 1: Petition for Divorce
The petitioner must file a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of Court in the parish where either spouse is domiciled. The petition states the legal grounds for divorce (such as living separate and apart for the required period) and may include requests for incidental relief. It must be properly signed and filed in accordance with Louisiana procedure.
Evidence Type 2: Proof of Domicile and Separation
Louisiana requires proof that at least one spouse is domiciled in the state and that the spouses have lived separate and apart continuously for the required time period. This may be supported by sworn affidavits, testimony, or other acceptable evidence.
Evidence Type 3: Marriage Certificate
A certified copy of the marriage certificate is typically required to confirm the legal marriage being dissolved. If the marriage occurred outside Louisiana, the certificate must still be provided.
Evidence Type 4: Affidavits and Supporting Pleadings
Depending on the type of divorce filed, affidavits (such as affidavits of separation or verification) and other supporting pleadings may be required. These documents help establish eligibility for divorce under Louisiana law.
Evidence Type 5: Agreements Between the Parties (If Applicable)
If the spouses have reached agreements regarding property division, spousal support, name changes, or other incidental matters, written agreements may be submitted to the court for approval. These agreements should clearly reflect mutual consent.
Evidence Type 6: Service or Waiver of Service
The defendant must be properly served with the petition unless service is waived. Proof of service or a written waiver must be filed with the court.
Evidence Type 7: Court Appearance or Judgment Submission
In some cases, the court may require a hearing; in others, the divorce may be granted based on submitted pleadings and affidavits. The judge will review the documentation to ensure legal requirements are met before issuing the final judgment of divorce.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine whether your situation is suitable for filing a divorce in Louisiana by completing a brief screening. You can begin by entering your ZIP code to identify the appropriate parish court and local filing resources.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After the screening, this website will guide you through the remaining steps to create your case documents.
Just so you know: To file for a divorce in Louisiana, you must complete and file the required Louisiana court pleadings. These documents include information about your marriage, domicile, separation period, property, debts, and any incidental relief requested.
The primary document is the Petition for Divorce, which is filed by the petitioner. Depending on your situation, supporting affidavits or agreements may also be required to establish eligibility for divorce under Louisiana law.
Step 4
You: File with the court. How to file for a divorce in Louisiana
Louisiana allows you to file for a divorce either in person or electronically, depending on the parish.
Although many forms and instructions may be available online, official filing must be completed with the Clerk of Court in the parish where either spouse is domiciled.
To formally ask the court to grant a divorce, the petitioner must file a completed Petition for Divorce and any required supporting documents. This step is called filing, and it may be done in one of the following ways:
In person at the parish courthouse
Online, if the parish supports court-approved electronic filing (e-filing)
E-filing is convenient and may be completed at any time. The official filing date is the date the Clerk of Court accepts the filing, or the next business day if submitted after court hours.
Divorce cases in Louisiana are filed with the Clerk of Court for the appropriate parish. Once the filing is accepted, the Clerk will assign a case number. Depending on the type of divorce filed (such as Article 102 or Article 103), the court may later require a hearing or additional filings before issuing a final judgment of divorce.
Step 5
Judge Reviews and Schedules Final Hearing
If the paperwork is complete and valid, the court will accept the filing and schedule a final hearing—typically within 30 to 90 days.
If the judge finds that:
The forms are incomplete
Required agreements are missing
One or both parties are not in agreement
The court lacks jurisdiction (e.g., residency requirements not met)
—then the case may be rejected or converted to a divorce proceeding instead. In some cases, the court may request a status hearing or notify both parties to correct errors before proceeding.
Step 6
Clerk of Court: Issues Hearing Notice to Both Spouses
The Clerk of Court assigns a case number once the petition is filed.
Notice of any required hearing or deadlines is issued by the court in accordance with Louisiana procedure.
The defendant must be properly served with the petition and notice of hearing, or must execute a written waiver of service. Proof of service or waiver must be filed with the court.
Service is typically completed through the sheriff or a court-approved method. Law enforcement is involved only for service of process, not to enforce attendance.
The petitioner—and the defendant if required—must comply with court instructions. Failure to appear at a required hearing or to complete required filings may result in dismissal of the case or delay in the divorce judgment.
Step 7
You, Both Spouses: Attend the Final Court Hearing
After your petition is filed and accepted, the court will schedule a final hearing—typically within 30 to 90 days, depending on the parish. The petitioner—and the other spouse, if required—must attend this hearing to finalize the divorce.
During the hearing, the judge will review:
The Petition for Divorce
Any written agreements regarding property, support, or name changes
Financial disclosures, if applicable
Any clarifications or updates submitted since filing
The judge will grant the divorce if:
Both parties have complied with filing and service requirements
All submitted documents are complete and legally sufficient
All legal requirements have been met, including those related to minor children or incidental relief, if applicable
Step 8
You: Receive the Final Decree of Divorce
If the judge issues a Final Judgment of Divorce at the hearing, you will receive an official copy of the order. Be sure to request and take a paper copy with you before leaving the courthouse, especially if you need it for name changes, financial institutions, or other legal purposes.
Some parishes may also mail certified copies or provide them upon request. If additional certified copies are needed, you can request them from the Clerk of Court for a small fee.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the steps required to complete your divorce documents and file your case with the court in Louisiana.
Core Forms
- Self Represented Litigant Petition For 102 Divorce (No Minor Children) With Request For Incidental Relief
- Income and Expense Affidavit