Real numbers for Louisiana — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Forms and local rules differ, but the path through a Louisiana divorce is fairly consistent:
Consider this a general orientation rather than Louisiana-specific legal advice — your county self-help center or a licensed local attorney can confirm the current procedure for your situation.
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Calculate My Louisiana Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Louisiana ranges from roughly $2,700 for a simple uncontested case to $29,600 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Louisiana is a community property state with one of the longest effective waiting periods — 180 days for no-fault divorce.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $200 | $875 | $4,500 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,700 | $4,500 | $6,750 |
| Contested, no trial | $10,175 | $18,500 | $29,600 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $29,600 | $35,150 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $14,000 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Louisiana is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $200–$410 depending on parish, with no uniform statewide fee schedule
| Orleans Parish (New Orleans) | ~$332.50 |
| Rural parishes | ~$200 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Louisiana average $210 per hour.
A Baton Rouge couple without children who have been living separately for 365 days would spend $250 in filing fees and $2,000–$4,500 in attorney costs for an uncontested divorce — total roughly $2,300–$5,000.
How much does a divorce cost in Louisiana?
An uncontested divorce in Louisiana typically costs $4,500–$6,750 including a $200–$410 filing fee that varies by parish. A contested divorce averages $18,500–$29,600 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is Louisiana's separation requirement for divorce?
Louisiana requires 180 days of separation if the couple has minor children, or 365 days if they do not. These periods must be documented.
Is Louisiana a community property state?
Yes. Louisiana is a community property state. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses.
What is a covenant marriage in Louisiana?
A covenant marriage is a legally distinct marriage type in Louisiana that requires pre-marital counseling and has much more limited divorce grounds. Consult an attorney if you entered a covenant marriage.
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Open Louisiana Calculator →Filing fees based on Louisiana court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.