Alexandria, LA Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is tough. You have no doubt been through an emotional roller-coaster. Adding the stress of lawyers, courtrooms, and judges is a nightmare. Unless you talk with us.

We make it a top priority to help you understand the process, the laws, and the potential outcomes. We want you to be properly equipped to make the best decisions. Decisions that will affect your future and your children’s future.

I felt confident in his ability to handle the divorce with professionalism. I felt he was prepared to fight if necessary but didn’t have to be combative unless the situation required him to do so.

~ Lisa

What Makes the Jones Law Partners different?

Sympathy, compassion, and trust – to name a few.  It is unfortunate, but most lawyers are too important, too busy, or too disconnected to give you full and comprehensive care through a divorce. I do what most lawyers will not. We make time. We make time so you can understand all of the potential outcomes, so you can make the best decision for your family.

What Does that mean for you?

Most lawyers “know” what is best for their clients and tell them what to do. Not me. During a divorce, decisions have to be made that will change the trajectory of your life. It is not our place to make such decisions. Instead, we feed you information, advice, and options so you can make educated decisions.

Legal Issues Involving Divorce in Alexandria, LA

I have devised five categories to best explain and address the issues in a typical divorce case. 1) Divorce, 2) Custody, 3) Child Support, 4) Spousal Support, and 5) Community Property. Each aspect has wholly separate facets, but each aspect is intermingled with the rest. A good lawyer can skillfully navigate these issues without compromising either.

1

Divorce: fault and no-fault divorce

There are two types of divorce in Louisiana—fault-based divorce and no-fault divorce. Fault is defined by our Civil Code as adultery, abandonment, domestic abuse, or imprisonment at hard labor. No-fault requires living separate and apart for 6 months (without minor children) or one year (with minor children).
2

Custody

Custody is the most important category to discuss in a divorce. Children should not be the victim of divorces. It is my top priority to help stabilize your children and fight for their best interests.
3

Child Support

Calculating child support is a science with technical nuances. There is a formula provided by Louisiana’s legislature that must be followed. It is sometimes tricky to navigate. To make sure children are provided for financially, we have to properly calculate child support.
4

Spousal Support

Where child support is a science, spousal support is an art form. There is a ton of grey area in spousal support cases that only a skilled lawyer can properly litigate.
5

Community Property

There are two aspects of property in a divorce: who is going to get use of things now, and how are we going to divide things later. This includes the family home, vehicles, businesses, retirements, etc.

Have a Louisiana family law question?

Have a few common questions you need answered immediately? Be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for some answers pertaining to cost and availability of The Jones Law Partners. If you’d like to know how much it will cost to consult or retain them for your family, traffic, or injury cases, please visit our FAQs or contact us immediately. Don’t see a question you need answered? Send us a message below.

How a Divorce Lawyer Can Help

You cannot do this on your own. Even if spouses are agreeable with everything, it is a good idea to chat with a lawyer in case something is overlooked. If you are not agreeable, well, only a good lawyer can help. Organizing evidence, preparing for the courtroom, convincing a judge – a good lawyer can make all the difference.  We will meet and strategize every aspect of your case. We will explain your rights and options. Together, we will set and fight for the goals for your case.

Have a question?

Have a few common questions you need answered immediately? Be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for some answers pertaining to cost and availability of The Jones Law Partners.

If you’d like to know how much it will cost to consult or retain them for your family, traffic, or injury cases, please visit our FAQs or contact us immediately.

Don’t see a question you need answered? Send us a message below.

Call 318-442-1515 for a consultation

Louisiana Family Law Attorney Cost:

Most lawyers do not disclose their pricing. This means a client ends up receiving bill after bill from their lawyer and no way to know how much a case will cost in the end. We give full disclosure up front so you can budget accordingly. There are no hidden fees in my office.

Marital Law:
  • Pre-nuptial Agreement $300 – $1,000
  • Post-Nuptial Agreement $1,500 – $3,500
Divorce / Custody:
  • Uncontested Divorce $1,000
  • Divorce with Child Custody $3,500 – $5,000
  • Divorce with Alimony $2,500 – $5,000
  • Divorce with Community Property $3,500 – $10,000
  • All/Combination of the above $3,500 – $10,000

The fees above do not include expenses outside of our office, such as court costs, subpoena costs, property appraisals, etc. Those expenses typically range from $400 to $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I file for divorce in Louisiana?

To file for divorce in Louisiana, one spouse must file a petition for divorce in the appropriate parish court. The petition asks the court to legally end the marriage and may also address issues such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property. Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be formally served with the divorce papers so the case can proceed through the court process.

2. How long does a divorce take in Louisiana?

The timeline for a divorce depends on the circumstances of the case. Louisiana law generally requires spouses to live separately and apart for a certain period before the divorce can be finalized. In many cases, the waiting period is 180 days if the couple does not have minor children and 365 days if minor children are involved.

3. What is the difference between a fault and no fault divorce in Louisiana?

Louisiana allows both fault-based and no-fault divorces. A no-fault divorce usually requires spouses to live separately and apart for the required waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. A fault-based divorce may be filed when one spouse has committed certain actions, such as adultery, abuse, or other serious misconduct recognized by Louisiana law.

4. Do both spouses have to agree to get a divorce?

No. One spouse can file for divorce even if the other spouse does not want the marriage to end. As long as the legal requirements are met, including the separation period for a no-fault divorce, the court can still grant the divorce.

5. What issues are decided during a divorce?

A divorce case often involves several important legal issues. These may include child custody, visitation schedules, child support, spousal support, and division of marital property. These decisions can have long-term financial and personal effects for both spouses and any children involved.

6. How is property divided during a divorce in Louisiana?

Louisiana is a community property state. This means that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered marital property and may be divided between the spouses during the divorce. The exact division depends on the details of the marriage and the assets involved.

7. Can I get a divorce immediately in Louisiana?

In most cases, Louisiana requires spouses to live separately and apart for a period of time before the divorce can be finalized. However, there are certain fault-based situations, such as adultery or serious criminal activity, where the court may grant a divorce without requiring the separation period.

8. Do I need a lawyer for a divorce in Louisiana?

While it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, many people choose to work with an attorney to better understand their rights and responsibilities. Divorce cases often involve complex issues such as property division, financial support, and child custody.

9. What happens if my spouse does not respond to the divorce papers?

If a spouse does not respond after being properly served with divorce papers, the court may allow the case to proceed by default. This means the divorce process can continue even if the other spouse chooses not to participate in the case.

10. What should I do before filing for divorce?

Before filing for divorce, it may be helpful to gather important financial documents, consider arrangements for children, and understand your legal rights. Speaking with a family law attorney can help you better understand the divorce process and the decisions that may need to be made.

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