Divorce in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Family Law
Louisiana is unique: no-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation period, and community property rules govern asset division.
How Louisiana treats Divorce
Louisiana stands apart by requiring either a 6-month separation period for no-fault divorce or proof of fault grounds for immediate dissolution. The state operates under a community property system, meaning assets acquired during marriage are jointly owned and generally divided equally upon divorce. Spousal support (called "alimony") is available and depends on factors like financial need, earning capacity, and the length of the marriage.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.