Guiding You Through The Louisiana Divorce Process

Divorce is a major change and can be as stressful as death. The future a person imagines for themselves is suddenly uncertain. Our Lafayette divorce lawyers and legal team support our clients through the experience and strive to make it a change for a better future.

We begin by taking the time to listen carefully as you explain the reasons behind your separation. Next, we can help you stabilize your home, identify your goals and determine the best way to help you achieve them. Our divorce attorneys then put our legal experience to work as we try to negotiate an agreement that everyone can live with. If negotiations break down or are simply not an option, we are prepared to protect your interests in court.

We Help Resolve All Louisiana Divorce-Related Issues

Our divorce attorneys and team provide comprehensive family law representation designed to resolve all of your divorce-related issues, including:

• Child custody and visitation: Custody matters are often the most contentious aspect of any divorce proceeding and are our forte. We will work hard to help you achieve the custody and visitation plan that will help you raise resilient, well-grounded children. Our lawyers never lose focus on the best interests of your child. We have extensive experience in cases where parental alienation is suspected.
• Child support: The Louisiana child support guidelines can provide a general idea of what you may expect to receive or pay in child support. However, there are always exceptions, and a deviation from the guidelines is a possibility. Whether you are seeking support payments or being asked to make payments, we will work toward an agreement that ensures your children will have the financial support they need.
• Spousal support or alimony: Spousal support, formally called alimony, is designed to maintain the standard of living prior to the separation of the parties to the extent possible. It is based on the requesting party’s need and the other party’s ability to pay. These payments are usually temporary and may be awarded to either spouse. It may be possible to seek modification of spousal support if one party’s circumstances have changed.
• Property division: In Louisiana, the default rule is that both parties have an equal interest in any assets earned or debt incurred throughout the marriage. Property division can be complicated, especially when it involves significant assets. Our experience is needed to protect your interests when dividing property.
• Domestic violence issues: Domestic violence allegations are common, and we have vast experience representing both victims of domestic abuse as well as defendants of false allegations. We work with victims of domestic abuse to create safety plans, take advantage of special protections for victims under Louisiana law and jump-start rehabilitation for offenders before they come before the court.

A Different Approach To Resolving Divorce Disputes

We work with our clients holistically to resolve difficult issues in divorce through planning and strategy. We value our relationships with many opposing counsels, and we always attempt to settle issues to avoid the emotional and financial costs of litigation for our clients; however, if there must be a trial, our attorneys are experienced and able to present your case for the best possible outcome.

Our founding divorce attorney, Paula Boagni Bertuccini, is more than just a strong divorce lawyer. She serves as an adviser and counselor to our clients to help them pursue outcomes that work in the real world. She has a strong command of Louisiana family law. But she does not stop there. She looks at the core of the real-world dispute to protect the futures of the children and leave clients in a better place when the divorce is final. Our goal is for everyone to leave our office better than when they came.

Your Family Law Questions, Answered

We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of your family during legal proceedings. That starts by helping you know what to expect. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about family law in Louisiana:

What are the grounds for divorce in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you can pursue a no-fault divorce without needing to prove any wrongdoing by either spouse. Typically, this requires living apart for a period – usually 180 days if you don’t have minor children or 365 days if you do.

Alternatively, you can file for divorce on fault-based grounds like adultery or a felony conviction, but you will be required to provide evidence to support your claim. Fault-based divorce is sometimes necessary or advantageous, but it does create an immediate adversarial tone.

How is child support determined in Louisiana?

Child support calculations in Louisiana consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children needing support, each child’s needs, and the time the child or children spend with each parent. The state uses a guideline formula to ensure fairness and adequacy. Additional factors such as health care, education and any special needs are also taken into account.

Can child support or custody arrangements be modified after a divorce in Louisiana?

Yes, you can request modifications to child support or custody if there’s been a significant change in circumstances such as a change in income, a proposed parental relocation or changes in the child’s needs. It’s important to legally formalize these changes through the court, and petitions for modification are best pursued with the help of an attorney.

How do Louisiana courts handle relocation requests involving children after a divorce?

If you want to move a significant distance away with your child, Louisiana law requires you to notify the other parent and follow specific procedures. If the other parent objects, the court will evaluate whether the move is in the child’s best interests, considering factors such as the effect it will have on the child’s relationship with each parent and the reasons for relocation, ensuring the child’s welfare is prioritized.

Whether you want/need to relocate or want to stop your co-parent from doing so, our team is ready to support you in and out of court.

How does property division work in a Louisiana divorce?

Louisiana follows community property laws, meaning assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage are classified as community property (jointly owned) and are typically divided equally. Assets not subject to division would be those obtained by either spouse prior to marriage or those specifically given to one spouse as a gift or inheritance.

Property division is often one of the most complex aspects of divorce. A good attorney can help you prioritize and protect the assets most important to you.

Contact Our Divorce Law Firm To Find Out How We Can Help You

If your marriage or relationship has come to an end, or you have other family issues, including but not limited to adoption, interdiction, grandparent visitation, child support or protective orders, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation by calling our law offices in Lafayette at 337-706-9608. You may also contact us online.