Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming. It’s emotional, stressful, and full of questions—especially if you have children or shared property. If you’re thinking about ending your marriage or have already started the process, it’s important to understand what divorce looks like in Louisiana. At Colonna Law Firm, we help clients in Lake Charles and across southwest Louisiana through every step of the divorce process.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of divorce in Louisiana, what to expect, and how working with an experienced divorce attorney Lake Charles can help make the process smoother.
1. Understanding the Grounds for Divorce
In Louisiana, you can file for divorce with or without blaming your spouse. Most people file for a “no-fault” divorce. This means that neither spouse has to prove the other did anything wrong. Instead, the couple must live apart for a certain amount of time before the divorce is final. If the couple has children, they must live separately for 365 days. Without children, the required time is 180 days.
However, you can also file for a “fault-based” divorce. This means one spouse accuses the other of specific bad behavior—like adultery, abuse, or abandonment. These cases are more complicated and often take longer to resolve.
2. Filing for Divorce: What Happens First?
To begin a divorce, one spouse must file a petition with the court. This document tells the court you want a divorce and outlines any important issues—like custody, child support, or property division.
The other spouse is then given the chance to respond. Sometimes, both spouses agree on everything and the process moves quickly. But other times, there are disagreements that need to be worked out in court.
3. Dividing Property and Debts
Louisiana is a “community property” state. This means that most property, income, and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. That includes:
- The house
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Credit card debt
Before the court can finalize the divorce, these things must be divided fairly. Sometimes couples agree on how to divide everything. Other times, a judge makes the final decision.
Property division can be tricky, especially if one spouse earned more money or there are large assets involved. That’s why it’s important to work with a knowledgeable attorney who understands how Louisiana law applies to your situation.
4. Child Custody and Support
For couples with children, one of the most important parts of the divorce is deciding where the children will live and who will make decisions for them. In Louisiana, courts focus on what’s best for the child. Most of the time, judges try to keep both parents involved in the child’s life.
There are two main types of custody:
- Physical custody (where the child lives)
- Legal custody (who makes decisions about the child’s education, health, and more)
Parents may share both types of custody, or one parent may have more responsibility than the other. If the parents can’t agree, the court will decide based on many factors—such as each parent’s relationship with the child, living conditions, and history of abuse or neglect.
The court may also order one parent to pay child support. This is money paid to help cover the child’s needs, such as food, housing, clothing, and school expenses. The amount depends on the parents’ income and how much time each parent spends with the child.
5. Spousal Support (Alimony)
In some cases, one spouse may need financial help from the other after the divorce. This is called spousal support or alimony. The court looks at many things when deciding whether to award support, including:
- The length of the marriage
- The needs of the spouse asking for support
- The ability of the other spouse to pay
- Whether one spouse gave up a career or education to support the family
Spousal support may be temporary (just during the divorce process) or long-term.
6. How Colonna Law Firm Can Help
Divorce is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Colonna Law Firm, we understand the emotional and financial stress that comes with ending a marriage. Our team works closely with each client to protect their rights, explain every step clearly, and help build a brighter future.
We can help with:
- Filing and responding to divorce petitions
- Negotiating custody, support, and property division
- Representing you in court if needed
- Modifying court orders after divorce
With deep experience in Louisiana family law, we’re here to stand by your side.
Final Thought
Divorce is a major life change, but it can also be a fresh start. The key is knowing your rights, making smart decisions, and having a legal team that truly supports you.
If you’re considering divorce or have questions about your situation,contact us at Colonna Law Firm today. We’re ready to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
