Family Law Attorney in
Lake Charles, LA

Louisiana requires spouses to live separate and apart before a divorce can be finalized — 180 days if there are no minor children, 365 days if there are minor children. An uncontested divorce can often be finalized shortly after the required separation period. A contested divorce involving custody or property disputes may take considerably longer depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

Yes. Louisiana is a community property state under La. C.C. Art. 2325 et seq. Most property acquired during the marriage is community property and is divided equally upon divorce. Separate property — assets owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance — is not subject to division. Louisiana’s community property rules are distinct from common-law states and require careful analysis by an attorney who practices Louisiana family law.

Louisiana courts apply a best-interest-of-the-child standard under Civil Code Article 134, considering specific factors including each parent’s relationship with the child, each parent’s ability to provide stability, the child’s adjustment to home and community, and any history of domestic abuse. There is a presumption in favor of joint custody, but the court has discretion to award sole custody if the facts warrant it.

Yes, but the requesting party must show a material change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interest since the last custody order was entered. Common grounds include a parent’s relocation, a significant change in work schedules, evidence of neglect or abuse, or the child’s own changed needs and preferences as they get older. Jacob handles custody modification proceedings by rule to show cause in Calcasieu Parish.

Louisiana uses the income shares model under La. R.S. 9:315. Both parents’ gross incomes are combined, and each parent contributes a proportional share of the total support obligation. The calculation accounts for the number of children, childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and the custody schedule. A judge may deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances.

An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all issues is significantly less expensive than a contested divorce. Colonna Law Firm handles uncontested divorces for a flat fee. Contested divorces have more options, where some are billed hourly based on the time required, some have flat fees, and some have hybrid models to save clients’ money. Jacob discusses fees transparently at the free 30-minute initial consultation so you understand your costs before making any commitment.