The divorce process can take a lot of time, depending on the circumstances and local laws. That is why many spouses seeking a legal dissolution of marriage are confused about what to do.
However, there is no need for panic as the modern legal system in each state provides more than enough opportunities for getting a divorce easily. It applies to Louisiana as well. In our article, we’ll provide helpful information on obtaining divorce documents quickly and easily in this state.
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Specifics of Divorce Process in Louisiana
First of all, Louisiana is one of three states that recognize covenant marriage. This type of legal bond puts tight restrictions on the grounds for divorce.
Typically, a covenant marriage can be ended after mediation and only due to the following reasons:
- Adultery;
- Imprisonment or death sentence due to a felony by a partner;
- Abandonment by the spouse for at least one year;
- Voluntary separation for at least two years;
or
- Spouses have lived apart for at least one year and six months after legal separation if minor children are involved. The term could be reduced to one year if the separation was granted because of the abuse of a child.
However, if you are looking for ways to obtain divorce documents easily, it is better to focus on the fact that Louisiana is a “no-fault” state that allows spouses to file for an uncontested divorce. These terms might be confusing at first glance, but they are easily explained.
Typically, “no-fault” means that spouses can file for divorce by stating that their marriage has suffered an irretrievable breakdown. It dramatically reduces overall pressure on both partners as they can keep their motivation private from the public eye. A no-fault divorce can be granted in Louisiana if spouses have lived separately for at least 180 days or one year if they have minor children.
An uncontested divorce is favorable for people who want to simplify the whole ordeal to get over it quickly and easily. It refers to a divorce proceeding where the spouses do not have any issues regarding important matters such as child custody, spousal support, property division, etc.
As a result, an uncontested divorce is the most comfortable option for partners who are not in conflict with each other. If there is a conflict, the divorce becomes contested, leading to the active involvement of judges and lawyers. It can make divorce more time-consuming and expensive.
How to Get Documents
There are several ways to get your divorce documents in Louisiana. It is important to distinguish them because the state is quite unique in legislative specifics, as mentioned before.
Services of a Lawyer
The first obvious solution is to hire a lawyer. They will identify what paperwork you need for your particular case and complete it for you. The good thing about this option is that you will receive quality assistance, and the chance of error will be at a minimum. Furthermore, a good lawyer will navigate you through other peculiarities of Louisiana’s legal system regarding divorce.
On the other hand, lawyers’ services are quite expensive. Moreover, they have other clients, so you’re likely to be put in line to get your case reviewed. That’s why this isn’t quite fit the “quickly and easily” option you are looking for.
Do It Yourself
If you are going for an uncontested divorce, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t want to save a considerable sum of money and get divorce papers by yourself. Unlike the majority of other states, Louisiana’s judicial branch website does not provide legal forms. It means that you will have to visit your local parish courthouse to request the papers you need.
Such an option will cost less than hiring an attorney, but it’s less convenient and definitely not fast. Since Louisiana is pretty unique when it comes to divorce papers and preparation requirements, it is easy to get lost and make an error, which will reset your progress.
Complete Divorce Papers Online
It might be the best option for a person who is dealing with an uncontested divorce. Despite Louisiana’s quirks in terms of divorce law, it is still possible to get your legal paperwork done with ease via so-called online divorce sites. These are online tools that generate ready-to-file divorce papers.
Typically, all that’s required is to go through a questionnaire, and the service will automatically generate your papers. Usually, such services also provide step-by-step instructions on how to file for divorce with your local court.
Divorce companies have many benefits. For example, they can reduce the cost of divorce by offering inexpensive forms generation services. Additionally, they can help you save your time as it usually takes only a few days to get completed papers. That’s why ordering paperwork online might be the quickest and easiest way to obtain divorce documents in Louisiana.
Final Thoughts
It is widely accepted that uncontested divorce is the most convenient way to dissolve a marriage, especially in states such as Louisiana. By choosing this option, spouses can prepare paperwork without an attorney using a do-it-yourself approach or ordering their papers online.
The latter can be even more convenient because you can do it from the comfort of your home. It’s easy, quick, and more affordable. You don’t need to go to the courthouse, explain the details of your case to the court clerk to get suitable papers or fill them out manually. Your paperwork can be completed online.
