How to File Your Own Divorce Papers in Louisiana

You can file your own divorce papers in Louisiana if you are seeking a no-fault divorce.

If you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce, do not share custody of a minor and do not anticipate any property, asset or liability disputes, you can file your own divorce papers without the use of an attorney in many jurisdictions of the U.S. This is true for Louisiana, which allows couples to file what is called a no-fault divorce in such instances.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you or your spouse meet the residency requirements to file for divorce in Louisiana. To meet this criteria, either your or your spouse must have resided in Louisiana for at least a year. You do not need to cite any grounds for a divorce.

2. Contact the Judicial District Court in the parish where either you or your spouse resides. Request a copy of a petition for divorce.

3. Fill out the petition for divorce. You will need to include your name and contact information, your spouse's name and contact information, background information about your marriage, and the grounds you wish to cite.

4. File the petition for divorce with the Judicial District Court. Be sure to include payment for the filing fee. The filing fee amount will vary depending on which court you file the document with. To find out how much the filing fee is in your area, contact your area District Court.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not filing a no-fault divorce, you will need the assistance of an attorney to help you complete your legal paperwork.

• Louisiana has a simplified process for the courts to grant a no-fault divorce that does not even require a response from the defendant. Rather, the plaintiff and defendant need only to live separately for 180 days for the divorce to be granted.

References

• Lawyers: Divorce in Louisiana
• Divorce Source: Louisiana
• Free Legal Forms: Louisiana No-Fault Divorce

Resources

• Louisiana Judicial Branch