Donaldsonville Divorce Lawyer

Donaldsonville Divorce Attorney

Getting divorced is likely to be stressful, regardless of the specific details of the case. Even couples with good intentions can find themselves facing a complex divorce. That’s why it’s recommended to work with a Donaldsonville divorce lawyer when filing in Louisiana.

The Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has been handling cases in the 23rd Judicial District Court for decades. With extensive experience with both mediation and litigation, you can count on a skilled Donaldsonville family lawyer from our firm to be by your side no matter what happens during your case. Whether you need someone to answer a few questions or require hands-on representation, we’ve got you covered.

Divorce Cases in Louisiana

The divorce rate in Louisiana in recent years has been 0.9 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average. Even so, divorce still impacts many families throughout the state. Furthermore, recent data shows that 11.1 percent of women and 8.1 percent of men in Ascension Parish specifically have been divorced.

Filing for divorce is generally straightforward, but the subsequent process can be challenging and time-consuming. A Donaldsonville divorce attorney can represent you throughout your case and make the process as stress-free as possible.

Potential Factors of a Divorce in Donaldsonville

Division of assets and debts is typically the most substantial aspect of a divorce. Property division is a big part of the divorce process. The median property value in Ascension Parish as of 2023 was $265,300.

While this is less than the national average, it’s still a substantial amount of money. It’s important that you understand how the division of property works under Louisiana divorce laws, as well as what a spouse may be entitled to in a divorce. Other possible factors to consider in a divorce include:

• Alimony. In situations where one spouse makes significantly more than the other, the court may order temporary or permanent spousal support, with the exact amount determined by a specific calculation of spousal support.
• Child custody. When parents get divorced, they must determine where their child or children will live. Louisiana courts favor joint custody arrangements, which involve creating a cohesive parenting plan that serves the child’s best interests.
• Child support. Some family situations require one parent to pay child support to ensure the child’s financial needs are met.

Divorce Requirements in Donaldsonville

Louisiana is a no-fault divorce state, which means you’re not required to give a reason to request a divorce. That said, you still must meet certain residency requirements and other criteria. For example, to get divorced in Louisiana, you or your spouse must be a resident of Louisiana for at least six months, and you must have been living separately for a mandated period.

Furthermore, you and your spouse must be living separately for at least 180 days, or 365 days if children are involved. Just because you don’t have to have a reason for a divorce doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Common grounds for fault-based divorce include:

• Abandonment for one year or more
• Adultery
• Cruelty
• Felony conviction/imprisonment
• Physical or sexual abuse

Regardless of the details of your divorce, it’s beneficial to hire a family lawyer who understands the nuances of these types of cases.

Donaldsonville Divorce Attorneys Near You

The Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has been handling divorce cases throughout Ascension Parish and beyond since its founding in 2000.

With over 25 years in service under our belt, we’re confident we can assist with your family’s legal matters. We’re familiar with working within the 23rd Judicial District Court and understand Louisiana’s divorce laws, making it easy to navigate your case.

Additionally, we take pride in offering personalized service to each client. One of our Donaldsonville divorce lawyers can walk you through each step of your case and ensure you fully understand your legal options. Our office is in the heart of Baton Rouge on Bluebonnet Boulevard. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, we’re here to listen.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Donaldsonville?

The overall cost of working with a Donaldsonville divorce attorney is going to be different for every case and varies from law firm to law firm, too. You can typically set up an initial appointment to discuss the services you require and receive a quote before making a final decision.

What Is the First Step in Getting a Divorce in Donaldsonville?

Getting a divorce in Donaldsonville, Louisiana starts with one party filing a petition with the court and serving their spouse. The other spouse must then respond to the petition, and then you can decide how to proceed from there. It does not matter which party files the petition. Finally, you should speak with a divorce lawyer as soon as possible.

Does Louisiana Recognize Marital Property Versus Separate Property?

Yes, Louisiana differentiates between marital property, which is also known as community property, and separate property. Only marital property is eligible to be divided in a divorce. Separate property refers to any assets and debts owned solely by one spouse, whether acquired before or after the marriage. This includes items such as gifts or inheritances.

Do I Have to Hire a Family Attorney to File for Divorce in Donaldsonville?

You are not legally required to hire a divorce lawyer to file for divorce in Louisiana, but it can be highly beneficial to have an experienced attorney on your side. In addition to evaluating your situation and helping you build your case, your attorney can use their knowledge of Louisiana’s divorce laws to simplify the process and help you through any challenges that may arise along the way.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer to Help You Through Your Case in Donaldsonville

Family law is a complex area of law, especially when it comes to navigating a divorce. Even an uncontested divorce can come with its fair share of challenges. It’s wise to hire a divorce lawyer to set yourself up for a smooth and straightforward divorce.

The Rowe & Manning Law Firm LLC has decades of combined experience navigating these types of legal matters, and we’re ready to put our knowledge to work for you. Contact the office to schedule your initial consultation with a Donaldsonville divorce lawyer today.