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Divorce.com Staff
Louisiana Divorce Timelines by Scenario
Separation required: 180 days living separate and apart without minor children, 365 days with minor children | Typical uncontested (after the separation period): 1–3 months to finalize | Contested: 8 months to 2 years or more | The #1 factor: the separation period, then whether you agree on everything.
Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements. | Residency: 6 months for petitioner OR 12 months if spouse non-resident. | Community Property: Louisiana is one of nine community property states. All marital property 50/50.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce Without Children
Timeline: 2-4 months (NO children) or 6-12 months (WITH children) | Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
Scenario 2: Uncontested Divorce With Children
Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
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Scenario 3: Contested Divorce (Settled Before Trial)
Timeline: 8-24+ months | Issues: Community property disputes (what's separate vs community). Debt allocation (also 50/50 community). Alimony disagreements. Custody battles. | Louisiana Specifics: Community property state (all marital property/debt 50/50). Separate property must be proven. Alimony available based on factors. Covenant marriage option (Louisiana, Arizona, Arkansas only) has stricter divorce requirements.
Scenario 4: Fully Contested Divorce With Trial
Timeline: 12-30+ months | Louisiana trials can be lengthy, especially in Orleans Parish. | Costs: Attorney fees: $10,000-$60,000+ per side (New Orleans highest). Experts: $5,000-$20,000. Total: $25,000-$120,000+.
Scenario 5: Divorce With Domestic Violence
Timeline: Varies | Protection: Protective Order. Emergency order available. Then divorce. | Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
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over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
Scenario 6: Military Divorce in Ohio
Timeline: Varies by children and agreement. | Installations: Barksdale AFB (Bossier Parish), Fort Johnson/formerly Polk (Vernon Parish), Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (Orleans Parish). | SCRA applies.,Timeline: 10-30+ months | New Orleans (Uptown
Scenario 7: High-Asset Divorce
Garden District)
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
How to Speed Up Your Ohio Divorce
Baton Rouge
Louisiana County-Specific Timelines
Lafayette affluent areas. Oil/gas industry wealth. Business ownership. Offshore assets. Community property. | Louisiana Issues: Unique Louisiana civil law (based on Napoleonic Code
Cost Impact of Divorce Timeline
not English common law). Community property rules differ from other community property states."
Common Delays in Louisiana Divorces
4. Community Property: All marital property/debt 50/50. Simplifies division if you agree. | 5. Use Online Services: Louisiana forms complex due to civil law system. $500-$2,500 vs $5,000-$30,000 attorneys. | Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Louisiana have a waiting period for divorce? A: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements. | East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge): Without children: 2-4 months. With children: 6-10 months. Contested: 12-24 months. | Jefferson Parish (Metairie): Without children: 2-4 months. With children: 6-10 months. Contested: 10-20 months. | Lafayette Parish: Without children: 2-4 months. With children: 6-10 months. Contested: 10-18 months. | Smaller parishes: Without children: 2-3 months. With children: 6-8 months. Less backlog.
The Bottom Line
In Louisiana, the separation period drives the timeline: 180 days without minor children, 365 days with them. After that, uncontested cases often finish within a few months.
State Divorce Guides
City Divorce Guides
Divorce Cost in Baton Rouge, LA (2026 Guide)
Lafayette Divorce Cost in Louisiana: 2026 Price Breakdown
How Much Does Divorce Cost in New Orleans, LA (2026)?
County Divorce Guides
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
The better way to get divorced.
Answer a few questions to see your personalized divorce options in under 3 minutes.
Louisiana Divorce Timelines by Scenario
Separation required: 180 days living separate and apart without minor children, 365 days with minor children | Typical uncontested (after the separation period): 1–3 months to finalize | Contested: 8 months to 2 years or more | The #1 factor: the separation period, then whether you agree on everything.
Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements. | Residency: 6 months for petitioner OR 12 months if spouse non-resident. | Community Property: Louisiana is one of nine community property states. All marital property 50/50.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce Without Children
Timeline: 2-4 months (NO children) or 6-12 months (WITH children) | Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
Scenario 2: Uncontested Divorce With Children
Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Scenario 3: Contested Divorce (Settled Before Trial)
Timeline: 8-24+ months | Issues: Community property disputes (what's separate vs community). Debt allocation (also 50/50 community). Alimony disagreements. Custody battles. | Louisiana Specifics: Community property state (all marital property/debt 50/50). Separate property must be proven. Alimony available based on factors. Covenant marriage option (Louisiana, Arizona, Arkansas only) has stricter divorce requirements.
Scenario 4: Fully Contested Divorce With Trial
Timeline: 12-30+ months | Louisiana trials can be lengthy, especially in Orleans Parish. | Costs: Attorney fees: $10,000-$60,000+ per side (New Orleans highest). Experts: $5,000-$20,000. Total: $25,000-$120,000+.
Scenario 5: Divorce With Domestic Violence
Timeline: Varies | Protection: Protective Order. Emergency order available. Then divorce. | Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
Scenario 6: Military Divorce in Ohio
Timeline: Varies by children and agreement. | Installations: Barksdale AFB (Bossier Parish), Fort Johnson/formerly Polk (Vernon Parish), Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans (Orleans Parish). | SCRA applies.,Timeline: 10-30+ months | New Orleans (Uptown
Scenario 7: High-Asset Divorce
Garden District)
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
How to Speed Up Your Ohio Divorce
Baton Rouge
Louisiana County-Specific Timelines
Lafayette affluent areas. Oil/gas industry wealth. Business ownership. Offshore assets. Community property. | Louisiana Issues: Unique Louisiana civil law (based on Napoleonic Code
Cost Impact of Divorce Timeline
not English common law). Community property rules differ from other community property states."
Common Delays in Louisiana Divorces
4. Community Property: All marital property/debt 50/50. Simplifies division if you agree. | 5. Use Online Services: Louisiana forms complex due to civil law system. $500-$2,500 vs $5,000-$30,000 attorneys. | Waiting Period: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Louisiana have a waiting period for divorce? A: Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a no-fault divorce: 180 days if there are no minor children, or 365 days with minor children. The time can run before filing or after the other spouse is served, depending on how the case is filed. Covenant marriages have longer requirements. | East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge): Without children: 2-4 months. With children: 6-10 months. Contested: 12-24 months. | Jefferson Parish (Metairie): Without children: 2-4 months. With children: 6-10 months. Contested: 10-20 months. | Lafayette Parish: Without children: 2-4 months. With children: 6-10 months. Contested: 10-18 months. | Smaller parishes: Without children: 2-3 months. With children: 6-8 months. Less backlog.
The Bottom Line
In Louisiana, the separation period drives the timeline: 180 days without minor children, 365 days with them. After that, uncontested cases often finish within a few months.
State Divorce Guides
City Divorce Guides
Divorce Cost in Baton Rouge, LA (2026 Guide)
Lafayette Divorce Cost in Louisiana: 2026 Price Breakdown
How Much Does Divorce Cost in New Orleans, LA (2026)?
County Divorce Guides
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.