LOUISIANA

Prior to filing for the dissolution of marriage, the spouse filing for dissolution of marriage must have been a resident of Louisiana for 12. The dissolution of marriage must be filed in the parish of the respondent/ defendant. [Louisiana Civil Code Annotated, Article 142; and Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, Article 42].

The only grounds for divorce is a spouse’s desire for a divorce. There are no requirements to show marital breakdown, fault, living separate and apart, or any other basis for a divorce. After the filing of the petition, the divorce will be granted after a period of 180 days has elapsed from the filing date and if the spouses have lived separate and apart since the filing of the divorce petition. Reconciliation is essentially the only defense to a divorce sought on these grounds. [Louisiana Civil Code Annotated, Title V, Article 102].