Robert Knight | March 13, 2025 | Divorce
Divorces are challenging regardless of whether the parties are amicable or not. The Louisiana divorce process can be lengthy, depending on the couple’s circumstances. It can also be a stressful process. One of the stressors of divorce for many people is the cost of a divorce in Louisiana.
In this blog, our Shreveport divorce attorney reviews the costs associated with a divorce to help individuals plan how to handle the cost of a divorce. We encourage you to contact our office to speak with an attorney for specific information related to your case.
Factors Impacting How Much It Costs to Get a Divorce in Louisiana
The cost of a divorce varies depending on the factors involved in the case.
Examples of factors that affect how much you might pay for a divorce include:
- Whether you and your spouse agree on divorce terms
- The type and amount of the assets you own
- The amount of your legal fees, costs of the case, and court costs
- The number and ages of minor children
- Whether or not you or your spouse seek alimony
- Hiring expert witnesses, mediators, and other professionals
- The fees charged by your attorney
- Whether the case goes to trial or settles
Some costs are outside of your control. For example, you must pay court fees when you file your divorce petition with the court. For example, in Caddo Parish, you must pay at least $300 to file for divorce, but the fees increase as the case progresses. Other fees and costs vary by case and depend on the case’s complexity and whether the case is settled or goes to trial.
The bottom line is that the cost of a divorce in Louisiana without a lawyer may be lower in the short term. However, you may make mistakes that could cost you much more in the long term.
Legal Fees for a Louisiana Divorce
Most divorce lawyers charge for their services by the hour, but you may find attorneys who charge a flat fee for a simple divorce. The definition of “simple divorce” varies and could mean an uncontested divorce or a divorce with no children. The hourly rate an attorney charges depends on their experience, the complexity of your case, and other circumstances specific to your divorce.
Attorneys fees are generally lower when spouses agree on the divorce terms or settle their case through negotiations. Going to trial can be very costly because an attorney may spend significant time preparing the case for trial. Unfortunately, some divorces are complex and require more time to resolve.
Costs Associated With Property Division
Louisiana is a community property state. The spouses own an equal interest in assets and property acquired during the marriage. Community property should be divided equally during a divorce.
Separate property is not subject to property division. Separate property includes inheritance and gifts received during a marriage. It also includes property owned before the marriage.
Problems may arise during property division that can increase the cost of divorce. A spouse may contest whether property is community property or separate property. They may challenge the value of a piece of property, which may require hiring an appraiser. Property disputes can increase the cost of your divorce.
Spousal Support
Courts can award spousal support if a spouse cannot support themselves after a divorce. For the spouse paying spousal support, the cost of the divorce increases.
Judges determine spousal support based on factors including:
- The income and assets of each spouse
- The earning capacity of each spouse
- The liquidity of a spouse’s assets
- Child custody arrangements
- The financial obligations of each spouse, including child support
- The time it will take a spouse to obtain the skills and training to increase their earning capacity
- The health and age of each spouse
- The duration of the marriage
Spousal support cannot equal more than one-third of the paying spouse’s net income. An exception to the rule is if the paying spouse abused the receiving spouse or their child. If so, the amount of spousal support can exceed one-third of their net income.
Child Custody and Child Support
Disputes regarding child custody can also increase the cost of a divorce. Generally, parents are encouraged to share joint custody to allow children to maintain a close relationship with both parents. However, situations may require a parent to fight for sole custody.
Child support is usually paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. A child primarily lives with the custodial parent, even when the parents share custody. Child support is based on standard guidelines, but the court can deviate from the guidelines for several reasons.
How to Handle the Expenses for a Louisiana Divorce
If you are concerned about the expenses of filing for divorce, talk to a lawyer about ways to minimize the costs. Create a budget for divorce expenses and explore ways to pay for the divorce. Gather all income and financial statements to determine what resources you have available to you. If you have separate assets, talk with a lawyer about liquidating them to help pay for the divorce.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Understanding your rights is the first step in protecting your best interests during a divorce. If you are facing divorce in Louisiana, it is worth it to consult an attorney before taking any action. An attorney can help you protect your parental rights and financial interests. Call Knight Law Firm to discuss your situation with a Shreveport divorce lawyer.
Contact our Divorce Lawyers at Knight Law Firm for Help Today
For more information, contact our experienced family law attorneys at Knight Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
We proudly serve Shreveport, Monroe, Ruston, and the surrounding areas of North Louisiana.
Knight Law Firm – Shreveport Office
401 Market Street Suite 1006
Shreveport LA 71101
