Divorce can be difficult for all parties involved. You have options available that will give you the time that you may need to understand the best outcome for you. Louisiana has options such as fault based and non-fault based divorces. Perhaps your spouse has committed adultery or has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to time in prison; there are options available to seek judgment in a timely fashion.

Louisiana courts have always put the best interest of the child first. So, when seeking custody arrangements or modifications, it is best for both parties to mediate and come up with your own plans. However, there are instances where parents do not see eye to eye, and therefore, the courts will consider a number of facts surrounding the child’s well-being to determine the extent of the modification of or new custody arrangement. In most instances, the court will award child support to assist with any financial obligations incurred on behalf of the child.

Alimony is also formally known as spousal support, in Louisiana. There are two forms, interim and final periodic support. Interim support is favored, considering that it is awarded during the pendency of the divorce settlement. This is done so that the financial conditions of the marriage are maintained until the divorce is final. The courts are not obligated to award either form of support. There are a few facts that the courts will consider, on a case by case basis, before making a decision on an award amount to the requesting spouse.

In Louisiana, any property acquired during the marriage is considered community property. Community property is property owned by both spouses in one-half equal shares. Upon divorce, each spouse will receive their one-half share, unless stated otherwise. There are ways to opt out of the community property regime.