Getting divorced in New Orleans? Start here.
Louisiana is unusual: before a no-fault divorce is final, you must live apart for 180 days if you have no minor children, or a full 365 days if you do. Add the state's community-property rules and covenant-marriage option, and a New Orleans divorce depends heavily on choosing a lawyer who knows Louisiana family law cold.
We verified the New Orleans family law firms below through Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale, and Justia. We were able to confirm seven firms by at least two independent sources; we list those rather than padding the count with names we couldn't verify.
How we picked these 7: We reviewed published verdicts and settlements, peer rankings (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale), client review patterns, and bar association recognition. Firms that appeared consistently across independent sources made the list. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
Practice focus: Contested divorce, custody, support, complex property division
One of the most established family law practices in New Orleans, with more than four decades of experience and several certified family law specialists. Known for complex, high-asset, and high-conflict cases.
Practice focus: Divorce, custody, support, family law litigation
A New Orleans and Baton Rouge firm with nine attorneys named to Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. Family law sits alongside business and estate work, useful when a divorce involves a business or significant assets.
Practice focus: High-conflict family law, custody, support, prenuptial agreements
Led by Marc D. Winsberg, this firm concentrates on high-conflict family law — custody and support disputes, property partitions, protective orders, relocation, and termination of parental rights.
Practice focus: Divorce, custody, support, family law mediation
A divorce and family law practice serving New Orleans and the greater metro area, recognized for client-centered representation in both contested and amicable cases.
Practice focus: Divorce, custody, support
Founded by Harold E. Weiser, III, this client-focused family law firm has more than a decade of New Orleans experience and strong reviews for communication and responsiveness.
Practice focus: Uncontested divorce, flat-fee family law
A family law practice known for low-cost, flat-fee uncontested divorces — a practical option for couples who agree on the terms and want a predictable price.
Practice focus: Divorce, custody, support, community property
A New Orleans family law attorney handling divorce and custody matters with direct, one-on-one attention from intake through resolution.
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Request Free Consultation →Louisiana offers two no-fault paths. Under Civil Code article 102 you file first, then complete the living-apart period; under article 103 you live apart first, then file. Either way the separation requirement is 180 days with no minor children and 365 days if you share minor children. The clock, not the courthouse, usually drives the timeline.
Family cases in Orleans Parish are heard in Civil District Court at 421 Loyola Avenue. An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on everything can wrap up not long after the waiting period ends. A contested case — fighting over custody, support, or how to split the community property — can run a year or more.
Louisiana is a community-property state, which means most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are split 50/50 unless a prenuptial agreement says otherwise. That single rule shapes most of the negotiation.
For a straightforward uncontested divorce, several firms above offer flat fees that commonly run $1,000 to $3,500 plus court costs. Because both spouses agree, the lawyer's work is mostly paperwork and filings.
A contested divorce is billed hourly. New Orleans family lawyers generally charge $250 to $450 an hour and ask for a retainer up front — often $2,500 to $7,500 — that the fees are drawn against. The total depends entirely on how much the two sides fight.
Ask for the hourly rate, the retainer amount, how unused retainer is refunded, and a realistic estimate for a case like yours. A good lawyer will also tell you when fighting isn't worth the cost.
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can promise a specific result. If a firm guarantees a divorce outcome before reviewing your file, walk away.
The disappearing senior partner. You meet a name partner at intake, then never speak to them again while a junior runs the file unsupervised. Ask in writing who your day-to-day lawyer will be.
Stoking the conflict. A lawyer who encourages you to fight over everything may be running up the bill. The best family lawyers know when to settle and when to litigate, and they tell you the difference honestly.
Pressure to sign immediately. A reputable firm gives you the engagement letter in writing and time to read it. High-pressure intake is a sign of a volume mill, not a careful practice.
Vague fee terms. “Don't worry about the cost” is a red flag. Every legitimate firm puts the fee, what it covers, and what triggers extra charges in writing.
Most firms offer an initial consultation. Bring a rough list of your assets, debts, and custody concerns, and ask these before you hire.
The separation period is mandatory. You cannot shortcut the 180- or 365-day living-apart requirement, so the practical question is how to use that time — setting up temporary custody, support, and use of the house while the clock runs.
Covenant marriage changes the rules. A small number of Louisiana couples chose covenant marriage, which requires counseling and limits the grounds for divorce. If that's you, make sure your lawyer has handled covenant cases.
Community property gets technical. Splitting a home, a business, retirement accounts, or commingled funds in Louisiana involves specific rules. A lawyer who regularly does community-property partitions will protect more of what's yours.
Tell us what happened. We'll match you with vetted New Orleans firms from the list above. Most respond within one business day.
At minimum, the living-apart period: 180 days without minor children, 365 days with them. Uncontested cases finish soon after; contested cases over custody or property can take a year or more.
Flat-fee uncontested divorces commonly run $1,000–$3,500 plus court costs. Contested cases are hourly at roughly $250–$450 per hour, with a retainer up front.
Yes. Most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally unless a prenuptial agreement provides otherwise. This drives much of the negotiation.
No. Louisiana allows no-fault divorce based on living apart. Fault (such as adultery or abuse) can affect spousal support and can shorten or remove the waiting period in some situations.
One lawyer can only represent one spouse. For a truly uncontested divorce, one spouse hires the lawyer and the other reviews and agrees; mediation is another option for couples who want to keep it cooperative.
Courts can set temporary custody, support, and use of the family home while you wait for the divorce to become final. Getting those interim orders right is a big part of the early work.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many contested custody and community-property cases like mine have you handled in the last three years? The answer tells you most of what you need to know. — The LawFirmSquare team