I’m thinking about filing for a default divorce in Louisiana because my spouse has been unresponsive and I can’t reach them to finalize the process. I’m unsure about the legal steps I need to follow to proceed with this type of divorce. Could someone guide me on what the legal requirements are for filing for a default divorce in Louisiana? What specific forms or procedures should I be aware of?
Louisiana divorce laws require that either spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana and have lived separately and apart for a specific period of 180 days or 365 days if they have children together under 18 years old. The self-represented plaintiff petition for 103(1) divorce forms can be used, but they only cover divorce issues and do not address spousal support, child support, or community property. The filing court should be the parish where the spouse is domiciled, where the couple last lived together as a married couple, or where the divorce papers were served.