Louisiana Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in Louisiana — filing fees, attorney costs, and totals by path. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Property, support, and custody if you have children.
$0
estimated total cost range
Estimate based on Louisiana filing fees and surveyed attorney costs. Complex assets, custody disputes, and trial can push costs well beyond these ranges.
Advertisement
What drives divorce costs in Louisiana
The single biggest variable is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where you agree on property, support, and parenting — costs a small fraction of a contested one, because attorney hours, discovery, and court appearances are where the money goes. At Louisiana's average family-law rate of ~$266/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that Louisiana has a mandatory waiting period of 180 days (365 with minor children) before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Louisiana?
The court filing fee in Louisiana is typically around $350 (Fee varies widely by parish ($275-$425, Orleans highest); Article 102 divorces require living apart 180/365 days after filing.). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Louisiana?
Family-law attorneys in Louisiana average around $266/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $1,500–$3,700 total; contested divorces $10,200–$22,000 or more.
How long do I have to live in Louisiana before filing?
Louisiana requires 1 year (6 months' residence presumes domicile) of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in Louisiana?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many Louisiana courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$350). Mediation is the next cheapest path when you need help reaching agreement — typically a fraction of the cost of two attorneys litigating.
Advertisement