Louisiana Divorce Forms — Complete Guide (2026)
Louisiana does not have a single statewide form system. Forms vary by parish. louisianalawhelp.org is the best centralized resource for Louisiana self-represented filers.
Where to Get Louisiana Divorce Forms
Primary source: louisianalawhelp.org
The Louisiana Law Help site provides guided form tools and parish-specific resources. Also check your parish's District Court website (Clerk of Court).
Important: Forms in Orleans Parish differ from forms in Jefferson or East Baton Rouge Parish. Always use forms specific to your filing parish.
Core Forms — Article 102 Path
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Petition for Divorce (Article 102) | Initiating document — states grounds, domicile, marriage information |
| Citation | Court-issued notice to Respondent |
| Acceptance of Service (Waiver of Citation) | Respondent signs to waive formal service |
| Rule to Show Cause | Filed after waiting period — requests the final Judgment of Divorce |
| Judgment of Divorce | Final court order — signed by the District Court judge |
Core Forms — Article 103 Path
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Petition for Divorce (Article 103) | Initiating document — asserts that separation period has been completed |
| Citation | Court-issued notice to Respondent |
| Rule to Show Cause OR Request for Final Judgment | Requests the Judgment of Divorce (some parishes allow same-day filing and judgment under 103) |
| Judgment of Divorce | Final court order |
Spousal Agreement (Settlement Agreement)
Louisiana does not have a single standard Spousal Agreement form. Parties draft their own or use templates from louisianalawhelp.org.
The Spousal Agreement should address:
- Community property: complete inventory and partition (who receives each community asset; who assumes each community debt)
- Separate property: confirmed to each spouse
- Spousal support (interim and/or final) — or written waiver
- If children: custody, visitation, child support per Louisiana guidelines
- Real estate: partition by licitation or one spouse buying out the other; recording requirements
- Retirement: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer
The Spousal Agreement can be executed during the waiting period (Article 102) and attached to or incorporated into the final proceedings.
Community Property Partition
After the Judgment of Divorce, community property must be formally partitioned. This can be:
- Extrajudicial partition (Spousal Agreement): Parties agree outside of court; partition deed or act is prepared and recorded
- Judicial partition: Court divides the community property — used when parties cannot agree
For real estate:
- Prepare the Act of Partition (or partition deed)
- Notarize
- Record in the Conveyance Records at the parish Clerk of Court
Forms With Children
Louisiana uses standard terms for custody:
- Legal custody: Authority to make major decisions — joint or sole
- Physical custody: Where the child lives — primary or joint
- "Domiciliary parent" — the parent with whom the child primarily lives in Louisiana law
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Parenting Plan | Custody and visitation schedule |
| Child Support Guidelines Worksheet | Calculates support per Louisiana DSS guidelines |
| Income Withholding Order | Wage withholding for child support |
Louisiana Child Support
Louisiana uses the Income Shares Model — both parents' incomes are factored in.
Key factors:
- Both parents' monthly adjusted gross income
- Number of children
- Child care costs
- Health insurance premiums
- Other allowable deductions
Duration: Support ends when the child turns 18 (or earlier if the child becomes emancipated).
Online resource: Louisiana DSS provides a child support calculator at dss.louisiana.gov.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | No statewide forms — parish-specific | louisianalawhelp.org | Community property partition is a separate proceeding | Conveyance Records for real estate
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.