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Last Modified on Dec 26, 2025
When a couple is divorcing, they may go through a divorce settlement conference. This could be done voluntarily, or it might be ordered by the court. It’s helpful to know what to expect during your divorce settlement conference in Louisiana. That way, you can understand how to navigate these conferences and resolve issues through them.
The Basics of a Divorce Settlement Conference
In a divorce settlement conference, spouses discuss their divorce with their attorneys and a mediator. The intention of a settlement conference is that spouses can reach an agreement about how their divorce is resolved before going to court. Ultimately, settling out of court can help offer a more cost-effective alternative than going through litigation. You can save on litigation-related expenses.
There are usually multiple meetings, but settlement takes less time than most hearings would. A settlement negotiation usually involves:
- Division of property. The median income of married-couple families in Louisiana was nearly $105,000, and 21% of occupied homes in the state were valued from $300,000 to $499,999. These are important assets that must be divided in a divorce.
- Spousal support. When one spouse needs financial support, it is important to consider the state laws that would provide them with interim or final periodic spousal support.
- Child support and child custody. 23% of the population in the state was under the age of 18, and separating parents must make important choices about the future.
A divorce settlement conference goes over the broad issues of a divorce, reaches compromises, and details the specifics of the agreements made. By handling the issues before court, you can usually resolve them more quickly and with less cost. If the agreement is accepted by the court, couples can avoid most court processes entirely.
How to Successfully Navigate a Divorce Settlement Conference
Divorce settlement conferences are less stressful than divorce litigation, but they should still be handled with care. Some important preparations and steps include the following:
- Have clear documentation of the points you make and what you are asking for.
- Maintain professional and respectful communications with other parties in the settlement conference, including your spouse.
- Have a potential proposal that negotiations can work from.
- If you have minor children, focus on your children and their best interests.
- Listen to the points made by your spouse, and be aware of their concerns.
- Be willing to compromise on certain issues, especially minor aspects of the agreement.
- Have legal support to assert your rights.
- Take notes throughout the process for potential resolutions and agreements.
When you prepare ahead of time for the settlement conference, you are more likely to have an effective negotiation. You want to have legal representation, ready yourself emotionally, and gather the supporting documents that you need to bring to the settlement conference. When you hire a dedicated divorce settlement conference lawyer, they can help you prepare for the process. They can also use their knowledge of divorce settlement conference laws to fight for your financial and personal interests.
How Do Divorce Settlement Conference Cases Resolve?
Ideally, a divorce settlement conference is resolved when spouses reach an agreement that they are both satisfied with. It should also be one that each spouse’s attorneys believe will be approved by the court. Then, the drafted agreement is submitted to the court for approval. If approved, it becomes your legally enforced divorce decree.
If spouses cannot reach a final agreement, there may be other methods to resolve a divorce out of court. Otherwise, litigation may be needed. This litigation addresses all unresolved issues in the divorce. In some cases, partial agreements are made during settlement conferences, and fewer elements need to be litigated. Going through the efforts to compromise can also make the litigation process easier to manage and more likely to achieve better resolutions.
FAQs
What Happens in a Divorce Settlement Conference?
In a divorce settlement conference, both spouses will be there with their respective attorneys, along with a third-party mediator. The mediator creates a structure for the meeting, which will go over the elements of a divorce settlement, like spousal support, child support, child custody, and property division.
When spouses disagree, the mediator and attorneys help find a resolution if possible. There may be one or multiple sessions to discuss these issues, especially when there are more complicated determinations.
What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce Settlement in Louisiana?
Both spouses are entitled to the same things in a divorce settlement in Louisiana. Each spouse is entitled to their equal share of community property, and they can request spousal support. Each spouse is also entitled to request custody of their children, and each can seek or pay child support. Whether requests for support or custody are granted by the court will depend on financial specifics and other factors, but not gender.
What Should You Not Say During a Divorce Settlement Conference?
During a divorce settlement conference, it is important that you try not to respond emotionally, yell, or argue. Emotions often run high, but it is better to pause negotiations in those cases rather than fight over them.
Negotiation requires both parties to cooperate and reach compromises, so you should also not refuse to make any compromises. Arguing constantly or refusing to negotiate will not be beneficial. It will also likely force the case to proceed to trial.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Settlement Conference?
There are several potential disadvantages of a settlement conference. Neither spouse can refuse to compromise, and neither can have financial nor emotional leverage over the other that can be used against them. These cases make a fair agreement impossible.
However, for many couples, trying out a divorce settlement conference is a good idea, even if it doesn’t work out. There are a lot of benefits if the spouses can reach an agreement.
Hire a Divorce Settlement Conference Lawyer in Louisiana
The right Louisiana divorce settlement conference attorney can help you gather financial and personal documentation, plan your goals, and navigate the process of negotiations. While this process may not be right for every couple, it can offer a less costly, more relaxed, and more private alternative for many couples, who often want to resolve their divorce and move forward with their lives.
Laura L. Davenport, LLC, has more than 18 years of experience in family law. Even though a settlement conference is simplified compared to litigation, it can still be a complicated process. Our firm can provide the support you need to make informed choices about your family’s future. Reach out to our team today.
