Louisiana Family Laws

Without minor children: 180-day separation. With minor children: 365-day separation. Fault-based grounds (adultery, felony conviction, abuse) may allow immediate divorce without a waiting period.

Louisiana was the first state to offer covenant marriage (1997). Requires premarital counseling and a declaration of intent. Divorce grounds are more restrictive: 2-year separation (vs. 180 days/365 days), or fault grounds including abuse, adultery, or felony conviction.

All property acquired during marriage through effort or skill of either spouse is community property. Separate property includes assets owned before marriage, gifts, and inheritances. The court divides community property equally if spouses cannot agree.

Custody determined by the best interests of the child. Factors include emotional ties with each parent, capacity to provide care, child's adjustment, physical and mental health, moral fitness, willingness to facilitate relationship with the other parent, and history of family violence.

Louisiana uses the income shares model — both parents' incomes are combined and the obligation is split proportionally. Guideline results are presumed correct; deviations require specific findings.

Interim support is available during proceedings based on need and ability to pay. Final periodic support considers length of marriage, financial situation, standard of living, earning capacity, age, health, and custodial obligations.