Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. In fact, if you and your spouse are on the same page, it can be more like signing off on a business decision than waging war in court. That’s what an uncontested divorce is all about—cutting out the unnecessary drama, stress, and cost.
Let’s walk through what you need to know if you’re considering an uncontested divorce in Louisiana, including the must-know legal details, the benefits, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce
(and Why Should You Care)?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on three major things:
The marriage is over—no finger-pointing necessary.
How to split up assets, debts, and (if applicable) child custody
The legal steps needed to finalize the divorce.
That’s it. No heated courtroom showdowns. No mudslinging. Just a clean break that respects your time, your money, and your sanity.
“An uncontested divorce is like mutually unfollowing each other on social media—it’s simple, drama-free, and no one has to throw shade.”
Louisiana’s No-Fault Divorce Rule
(Good News for You)
Louisiana is a no-fault divorce state. That means you don’t have to prove cheating, abuse, or wrongdoing—you just need to show that the marriage is over and that you’ve lived apart for a required amount of time.
🔹 180 days apart – If you don’t have minor children.
🔹 365 days apart – If you do have minor children.
Think of it as a waiting period to make sure everyone is 100% sure before the court makes it official.
Who Can File for an Uncontested Divorce in Louisiana?
Before you rush to file, you need to meet these basic requirements:
✔️ Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Louisiana for at least 6 months.
✔️ Separation: You must have lived apart for 180 or 365 days, depending on whether you have kids.
✔️ Agreement: Both of you must be on board with the divorce terms—otherwise, it’s not uncontested anymore.
Think of it like canceling a shared gym membership. If one person refuses to sign off, you’re stuck paying for something you don’t even use.
Types of Uncontested Divorce in Louisiana
Louisiana offers two main ways to file for an uncontested divorce. The one you choose depends on whether you’ve already lived apart for the required time.
1. Article 103 Divorce (Faster Route)
🔹 Best for couples who have already lived apart for 180/365 days.
🔹 File now and finalize quickly—no long waiting period.
2. Article 102 Divorce (Start the Clock Now)
🔹 If you haven’t yet hit the 180/365-day mark, but you want to file now.
🔹 You file first, then wait until the separation time is met before finalizing.
Article 103 is like fast food—quick and done. Article 102 is more like slow-cooked BBQ—it takes time, but it gets there.
Why Choose an Uncontested Divorce?
Still debating whether this is the right move? Here’s why most people prefer uncontested divorces:
✔️ Less Expensive – No courtroom battles = lower attorney fees.
✔️ Less Stress – No fighting over “who gets what.”
✔️ Faster Process – You don’t have to wait years for a trial.
✔️ More Control – You and your spouse make the decisions, not a judge.
✔️ Better for Kids – Less tension makes co-parenting easier.
"Think of an uncontested divorce like a mutual breakup. It might not be fun, but it’s a whole lot easier than a messy split."
Real-Life Example: Keeping It Simple
Let’s say Sarah and Tom have been separated for over a year. They both agree they’re better off apart. They’ve already worked out who keeps the house, how they’ll share custody of their two kids, and who pays what bills.
Sarah files for an Article 103 divorce, and since Tom is cooperative, he signs a waiver saying he won’t contest anything. The judge reviews their agreement, signs off, and boom—they’re legally divorced in just a few weeks.
That’s the power of an uncontested divorce: clean, quick, and as painless as possible.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the basics, let’s dig deeper into what makes Louisiana’s divorce laws unique—from its French and Spanish legal roots to why it was one of the first states to offer no-fault divorce.
🚀 Coming up next: “How Louisiana’s Unique Legal History Shaped Divorce Laws”—a fascinating look at how we got here.
Need Help? Let’s Talk.
Thinking about filing? At Johnson & Carroll Law, we help clients navigate uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence. Your fresh start is just a few steps away.
📞 Call us today to discuss your options.
Sources & Further Reading
📖 Louisiana Civil Code – Official statutes on divorce (Articles 102 & 103).📖 LouisianaLawHelp.org – A great resource for understanding divorce law in plain language.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your case.
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