How to Write a Divorce Agreement in Louisiana (2026 Guide)
Terms for dissolution of marriage
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MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (DIVORCE) State of Louisiana This Agreement is entered into on [DATE] between: PETITIONER: Name: [PETITIONER NAME] Address: [ADDRESS], LA [ZIP] RESPONDENT: Name: [RESPONDENT NAME] Address: [ADDRESS], LA [ZIP] Date of Marriage: [DATE] Place of Marriage: [LOCATION] 1. GROUNDS: [ ] No-fault/Irreconcilable differences [ ] Other: [SPECIFY] 2. PROPERTY DIVISION: Petitioner receives: [LIST ASSETS] Respondent receives: [LIST ASSETS] Jointly held property: [DESCRIBE DIVISION] 3. DEBTS: Petitioner assumes: [LIST DEBTS] Respondent assumes: [LIST DEBTS] 4. SPOUSAL SUPPORT: [ ] No spousal support [ ] [PAYOR] pays $[AMOUNT] per month for [DURATION] 5. CHILD CUSTODY (if applicable): [ ] Joint legal custody [ ] Sole custody to [PARENT] Primary residence: [PARENT] Visitation schedule: [DESCRIBE] 6. CHILD SUPPORT (if applicable): [PAYOR] pays $[AMOUNT] per month per Louisiana child support guidelines. This agreement is governed by Louisiana family law (LA Statutes). PETITIONER: _____________________ DATE: _____ RESPONDENT: _____________________ DATE: _____
FAQ: Divorce Agreement in Louisiana
Is a Divorce Agreement required in Louisiana?
Yes, in Louisiana, a Divorce Agreement is required for most transactions of this type. Under Louisiana State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Divorce Agreement may result in legal complications.
Does a Divorce Agreement need to be notarized in Louisiana?
Notarization requirements in Louisiana (LA) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $25-$50. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.
What are the tax implications of a Divorce Agreement in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a base sales tax rate of 4.45%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Divorce Agreement, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Louisiana tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.
Do both spouses have to agree to a divorce?
No, all US states allow no-fault divorce, meaning one spouse can file without the other's consent. However, an uncontested divorce (where both agree on terms) is faster, cheaper, and less stressful than a contested divorce.
How is property divided in a divorce?
Property division depends on your state. Community property states (like California and Texas) split marital assets 50/50. Equitable distribution states divide assets fairly but not necessarily equally, considering factors like income, duration of marriage, and contributions.
Can we write our own divorce agreement?
Yes, spouses can draft their own marital settlement agreement covering property division, spousal support, and child custody. The court must approve it to ensure it's fair and meets state requirements, especially regarding children.
Divorce Agreement Costs in Louisiana
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | Louisiana standard rate: $25-$50 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in Louisiana |
| Sales Tax | 4.45% | Louisiana base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 2 witnesses | Louisiana requires multiple witnesses |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
Where to File Your Divorce Agreement in Louisiana
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Divorce Agreement.
Louisiana County Clerk
Louisiana Capital
Main Government Building, Louisiana
District County Clerk
Louisiana Metro Area
County Courthouse, LA
Louisiana Divorce Agreement Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Divorce Agreement is legally valid in Louisiana.
Louisiana Notarization
Louisiana requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $25-$50.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In Louisiana, a 4.45% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. Louisiana law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
Louisiana Filing Deadlines
Check Louisiana deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.
Estate Planning Attorney
Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience
Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
This Divorce Agreement template for Louisiana has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Louisiana Divorce Agreement Legal Guide
Under Louisiana jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.
Pursuant to Louisiana State Code in Louisiana, this Divorce Agreement must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 4.45%. Notarization, which costs $25-$50 in LA, is strongly recommended. 2 witnesses are needed.
By utilizing this state-specific template, you avoid common mistakes that could invalidate your document in Louisiana.
What Louisiana Attorneys Want You to Know
Practicing lawyers in Louisiana emphasize three things: accuracy, completeness, and compliance with LA statutes. A well-prepared Divorce Agreement saves time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road. When in doubt, a brief consultation with a Louisiana-licensed attorney is worth the investment.
Enforceability in Louisiana
A Divorce Agreement that meets all LA requirements is fully enforceable in Louisiana. Courts in Louisiana have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
How to Complete This Form
Start by gathering all necessary information: party names, addresses, and relevant details specific to your transaction. Louisiana law under LA requires accuracy in every field. Once completed, have all parties review the document before signing. Depending on the transaction type, Louisiana may require notarization or witness signatures.
What Louisiana Law Requires
Louisiana's statutes are clear: a valid Divorce Agreement must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under LA law can render the document unenforceable.
A Divorce Agreement that meets all LA requirements is fully enforceable in Louisiana. Courts in Louisiana have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
How to Complete This Form
Start by gathering all necessary information: party names, addresses, and relevant details specific to your transaction. Louisiana law under LA requires accuracy in every field. Once completed, have all parties review the document before signing. Depending on the transaction type, Louisiana may require notarization or witness signatures.
What Louisiana Law Requires
Louisiana's statutes are clear: a valid Divorce Agreement must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under LA law can render the document unenforceable.
Louisiana's statutes are clear: a valid Divorce Agreement must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under LA law can render the document unenforceable.
Other Forms in Louisiana
Divorce Agreement in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Divorce Agreement
- State
- Louisiana (LA)
- Category
- Family
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 4.45%
- Notary Fee
- $25-$50
Louisiana Legal Requirements
Governing Statute:
State Law
- ✓Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements
Legal Disclaimer
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Louisiana may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.