Attorney Serving LA & TX | Robert B. Dunlap Attorney at Law
UNCONTESTED DIVORCE ATTORNEY IN SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Vital Statistics Report indicates that Louisiana had a divorce rate of 2.4 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants in 2019. Whether it is a divorce or legal separation, marriage dissolution is often an emotional experience that has huge ramifications for your family, children, and finances. Fortunately, an uncontested divorce offers a peaceful and cheaper way to dissolve a marriage while resolving key divorce issues.
At the Law Office of Robert B. Dunlap, I have the experience and resources to guide you through the complexities of divorce proceedings. As your legal counsel, I can evaluate your circumstances and help you understand your available options. I can also help you resolve key matters in your uncontested divorce, including community property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. As an experienced Louisiana family law attorney, I will offer you the detailed counsel and advocacy you need to make critical decisions and walk you through the process from start to finish.
My firm — the Law Office of Robert B. Dunlap — serves clients across Shreveport, Minden, Bossier City, Mansfield, and Webster Parish, Louisiana.
WHAT IS AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE?
An uncontested divorce is a situation in which both spouses mutually agree on the essential terms of the divorce, including asset division, alimony, tax deductions, child custody, support, and parenting time. It is considered a more peaceful and cheaper form of divorce in Louisiana.
QUALIFYING FOR AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE
To file for divorce in Louisiana, you are required to:
- Meet the residency requirement by living in the state for at least one year prior to filing
- Seek marital counseling prior to filing for divorce (for covenant marriage only)
Couples can seek an uncontested divorce if they have been living separate and apart for:
- Six months (if there are no children)
- One year (if they have children)
An uncontested divorce will only be granted to traditional marriages.
GET THE FINANCIAL RELIEF YOU NEED
THE UNCONTESTED DIVORCE PROCESS
To obtain an uncontested divorce in Louisiana, you and your spouse must mutually and completely agree to all marital issues in your case.
If you and your spouse agree as to the marital issues such as child custody and division of community property, the spouse seeking the divorce (the petitioner) files a petition for divorce, and either the other spouse (the defendant) signs and files a waiver of service. If the defendant’s spouse is unwilling or unable to sign a waiver of service, the divorce petition will need to be served on the defendant’s spouse by the sheriff. The defendant will have up to three weeks to prepare an answer and file a response. If the respondent fails to file an answer or attend the hearing, your case will be set for an uncontested final hearing.
THE BENEFITS OF AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE
Below are some of the benefits of an uncontested divorce in Louisiana:
- An uncontested divorce is less expensive and less stressful
- An uncontested divorce allows faster resolution of divorce issues
- An uncontested divorce can keep everything private and confidential
- An uncontested divorce creates the possibility for forgiveness and healing
- An uncontested divorce allows both spouses to move on as quickly and amicably as possible
LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION
Filing for an uncontested divorce ensures that spouses can resolve key marital issues peacefully and quickly while maintaining their privacy and confidentiality. Nonetheless, it is crucial that you protect your rights, your future, and your family’s best interests. Through what is known as limited scope representation, a knowledgeable Louisiana family law attorney can offer you the proper guidance you need to make key decisions in your divorce process while saving you money.
For more than 30 years, I have been providing dedicated legal services and comprehensive guidance to clients in family law and divorce-related matters. I’m available to discuss your personal situation remotely and help explore your available options. I will work diligently with both parties to resolve divorce issues and relationship differences quickly and peacefully. Using my extensive experience and legal understanding, I will walk you through every phase of the uncontested divorce proceedings and help you move forward.
