Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Louisiana?

An uncontested divorce (102 divorce) typically takes 4–8 months after the required separation period ends. If there are no minor children, the couple must be separated for 180 days. If there are minor children, the separation period is 365 days. After filing the petition, the divorce can be finalized relatively quickly once the statutory period has elapsed.

How long does a contested divorce take in Louisiana?

A contested Louisiana divorce — where spouses disagree on custody, property division, or support — typically takes 12–36 months depending on the complexity of issues, the court's docket, and whether the parties can reach settlement through mediation or negotiation before trial.

What is the separation period required for divorce in Louisiana?

Louisiana requires a physical separation period before a no-fault divorce. The period is 180 days (approximately 6 months) if the couple has no minor children, and 365 days (approximately 1 year) if they have minor children together.

Can you speed up a divorce in Louisiana?

Certain circumstances allow for faster divorce — for example, where a spouse has committed adultery or has been convicted of a felony, no separation period is required. These are fault-based grounds under Louisiana Civil Code art. 103. Otherwise, the statutory separation periods cannot be shortened.

What is the difference between a 102 divorce and a 103 divorce in Louisiana?

A 102 divorce (no-fault) requires the couple to live separately for 180 or 365 days before a judgment of divorce can be granted. A 103 divorce is immediately available based on fault grounds — adultery, felony conviction, abuse, or post-separation domestic violence — or after the applicable waiting period has elapsed. Both are authorized under Louisiana Civil Code articles 102 and 103.

Does Louisiana have a waiting period after filing for divorce?

Yes. After filing for divorce under article 102, the court will not grant the divorce until the statutory separation period has elapsed. There is also a brief procedural period after the final rule to show cause hearing. Contested cases often involve multiple hearings over months or years before a final judgment is entered.

Can I get a divorce faster if my spouse agrees to everything?

Yes. A consent or uncontested divorce can move more quickly through the court system once the separation period is satisfied, because the parties submit a joint agreement resolving property, custody, and support — eliminating the need for contested hearings or trial.

What court handles divorce cases in New Orleans?

Divorce cases in New Orleans are filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court. In Metairie and Jefferson Parish, divorces are filed in the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna. In St. Charles Parish (Destrehan, Luling, Hahnville), divorces are filed in the 29th Judicial District Court.

How long does it take to get temporary custody and support orders in a Louisiana divorce?

Temporary (interim) custody and support orders can often be obtained within 2–6 weeks of filing through a rule for interim relief. These orders govern custody, support, and use of the marital home while the divorce is pending and remain in effect until a final judgment.

What factors affect how long a Louisiana divorce takes?

Key factors include: (1) whether the divorce is contested or uncontested; (2) how quickly the separation period elapses; (3) the complexity of asset division (especially business interests and real estate); (4) custody disputes; (5) court scheduling and backlog in Orleans, Jefferson, or St. Charles Parish; and (6) whether mediation or negotiation resolves disputed issues.

How Long Does Divorce Take in Louisiana? (2026 Guide)

Louisiana Divorce Timeline at a Glance

Divorce Type	Separation Required	Estimated Total Time
Uncontested — No Minor Children	180 days	4–8 months
Uncontested — Minor Children	365 days	13–18 months
Contested — No Minor Children	180 days	12–24 months
Contested — Minor Children	365 days	18–36+ months
Fault-Based (Adultery/Felony/Abuse)	None required	3–12 months

Timelines are estimates based on typical cases in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Charles Parish courts. Individual cases vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee similar results.

Understanding Louisiana's Divorce Separation Requirements

Louisiana's no-fault divorce law requires physical separation before a divorce judgment can be granted. Under Louisiana Civil Code art. 102, a spouse files a petition for divorce and then must wait for the required separation period to elapse before filing a rule to show cause for the final divorce judgment. The period is:

180 days — if the couple has no minor children of the marriage
365 days — if the couple has minor children of the marriage

Important: the separation period begins when the couple physically separates — not necessarily when the petition is filed. If a couple separated before filing, that time counts toward the statutory period.

Questions About Your Divorce Timeline?

Every case is different. Jonathan M. Rhodes can review your specific situation and give you a realistic timeline. Free consultation — no obligation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Fault-Based Divorce: No Waiting Period Required

Under Louisiana Civil Code art. 103, a divorce can be granted immediately (without the separation period) if the petitioning spouse can prove specific fault grounds:

Adultery by the other spouse
Felony conviction of the other spouse with a sentence of imprisonment at hard labor
The other spouse committed physical or sexual abuse during the marriage or against a child
The other spouse committed domestic abuse after a petition for divorce was filed

Proving fault grounds requires evidence and can be contested by the other spouse. An experienced divorce attorney is essential when pursuing a fault-based divorce to ensure proper documentation and presentation.

What Extends a Louisiana Divorce Timeline?

Several factors can significantly extend the time it takes to finalize a divorce in Louisiana:

Contested child custody — especially involving relocation, parental alienation, or abuse allegations
Complex community property — businesses, multiple real estate properties, retirement accounts, stock portfolios
Spouse who hides assets or fails to disclose financial information
Court congestion in Orleans Parish Civil District Court or the 24th JDC (Jefferson Parish)
Multiple interim hearings for support, use of marital home, and restraining orders
Appeals of interim rulings

Related Family Law Resources

What Is a 102 Divorce in Louisiana?

No-fault divorce explained.

What Is a 103 Divorce in Louisiana?

Fault-based grounds for divorce.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Key differences and what to expect.

Community Property Division Attorney

How assets are split in Louisiana.

Child Custody Attorney

How Louisiana courts determine custody.

Divorce Attorney New Orleans & Metairie

Our divorce representation services.

Louisiana Family Law Guide

Complete 2026 guide to Louisiana family law.

Louisiana Legal Resource Center

Browse all legal resources.

How Long Does Divorce Take in Louisiana?