No one enters a marriage to file for divorce. However, when your marriage is not going well, it’s important to understand your legal options to end your union. Knowing how this process works is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why it’s imperative to connect with an experienced Monroe, Louisiana divorce lawyer who can assist you through these complicated matters.
What Are the Different Types of Divorces in Louisiana?
Generally, there are two kinds of divorce you can pursue based on your circumstances. The first is a no-fault divorce. Essentially, this means that you and your spouse are filing on the grounds of irreconcilable differences or an irretrievable breakdown of your marriage.
The other kind of divorce you may pursue is a fault-based divorce. If you can prove that your spouse has committed adultery, been abusive towards you or your children, was incarcerated on felony charges, or has abandoned you, you may be able to pursue a divorce based on these grounds. These divorces are more complex, as you must be able to prove the wrongdoing, and your spouse can refute the claims, meaning this process can be drawn out.
What Should I Know About the Divorce Process?
In order to file for divorce, there are a few requirements you must first meet. Generally, to file, you or your spouse must be residents of Louisiana for at least six months before filing. Next, if you are pursuing a no-fault divorce, you must live apart for a set amount of time. If you have minor children, you must live apart for a full year. If you do not have minor children, this time period is shortened to six months.
On top of going through the separation period, a divorce can take a considerable amount of time based on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you and your spouse cannot agree on the outcome of your divorce, your divorce may take a longer amount of time as you try to work out the details of your divorce. For example, you’ll find that if you cannot agree on how you will split custody of your children, you may try to negotiate these matters on your own. However, if you cannot reach an agreement, you may require court intervention to determine these matters. This can elongate your divorce process as it will take time to get in the court for these matters.
As you can see, the divorce process can be incredibly complicated, which is why it’s in your best interest to enlist the assistance of an experienced attorney from Breithaupt, DuBos, and Wolleson, LLC. Our firm understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why our firm is dedicated to helping you navigate this process so you can move on to the next chapter of your life. Contact us today to learn more.
