|
|
Last Modified on Jun 19, 2026
One of the most pressing concerns of every individual experiencing divorce is the timeline. Divorce, no matter the situation, is emotionally difficult and creates a litany of legal challenges. Couples want to reach a legal end to their marriage as quickly and smoothly as possible. At Laura L. Davenport, LLC, we are here to teach how to go from filing to final judgement in six months through a settlement conference during a Louisiana divorce.
The Timeline of a Louisiana Divorce Settlement Conference
In Louisiana, the rate of divorce is around 0.9 cases per 1,000 residents. There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to divorce timelines. A litany of factors impacts the time it takes a divorce case to reach finalization once one spouse files. Even in cases of divorce settlement conferences, these factors can include:
- Breakdowns in communication
- Property and debt complexity
- Disagreements regarding the terms of the settlement
- Lack of willingness to collaborate and compromise
- Court delays
- Whether minor children are involved—in 2024 alone, there were 53,305 live births in Louisiana
One of the main factors that influences divorce timelines, no matter the factors listed above or whether or not your case goes to trial, is that all couples must first undergo 180 days of continuous separation if they have no children and 365 days if they do. Even when you are able to reach an agreement regarding your divorce through a settlement conference, you have to wait for this period of time before your case can be finalized.
However, when there are no children involved, going from the initial filing to the final judgement in six months is possible. To do this, you and your spouse will need to agree on all the major issues of your divorce, including property division and possible spousal support. All of this can be handled through a relatively more cost-effective settlement conference, and you and your spouse can move on with your separate lives in an amicable and time-efficient manner.
The issues that can increase a divorce timeline, even when you are involved in a settlement conference, arise when the couple is unable to reach an agreement or must spend more time discussing their issues before an agreement is made. When you work with an attorney from Laura L. Davenport, LLC, we can review all the details and estimate how long it might take to reach finalization in your case.
One of our main priorities is to help you find solutions to your divorce issues during the 180-day waiting period so that you can reach a final judgement in as little as six months.
Steps to File for a Louisiana Divorce
When you and your spouse have no children, you and your spouse can work together and collaborate, and a divorce settlement conference is the right legal avenue for you. You can get a divorce relatively quickly in Louisiana. The steps you will need to follow include:
- Reviewing all residency requirements; at least one of the spouses must be a resident of the parish you file in for six months prior to filing
- Living separately for 180 days (if no children are shared between the couple)
- Filing the official petition for divorce with the necessary court so that the papers can be served to the other spouse.
- Attending a settlement conference in cases where issues between the couple need to be agreed upon
- Receiving the final judgement from the courts
About Laura L. Davenport, LLC
For years, the attorneys at Laura L. Davenport, LLC have served families across Lafayette Parish and throughout Louisiana when it comes to divorce. Whether you live in New Iberia, Church Point, or Youngsville, we are here to serve you. We know how painful divorce can be and how quickly you would rather get it over with.
FAQs
What Can Delay a Divorce Settlement Conference in Louisiana?
In a divorce settlement conference in Louisiana, there are certain factors that can delay your case, thereby prolonging the overall process. These factors can include contested custody arrangements, arguments regarding the division of marital property, and any disputes regarding support payments. When couples cannot cooperate, the timeline of a divorce only increases.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
The costs involved when hiring a divorce lawyer will vary from case to case and from lawyer to lawyer. Every lawyer approaches final fees differently; there are some factors that can affect all cases. These factors include the duration and complexity of the case and the education and experience of your lawyer.
Can I Get a Divorce in Six Months Even if I Have Children?
No, in Louisiana, if you share minor children with your spouse, you will likely not be able to get a divorce in six months, even if you seek divorce through a settlement conference. This is because, when a couple shares children, they are required to follow a longer separation period than couples without children.
Can I File for Divorce Even if My Spouse Does Not Want a Divorce?
Yes, you can file for divorce in Louisiana even if your spouse does not agree. If you have followed the required separation period, you can file for divorce. When you hire an attorney, they can assist you with working out all of the necessary details, even if your spouse refuses to cooperate. However, the likelihood of a quick divorce process through a settlement conference is not likely in these contested situations.
Hire a Divorce Settlement Conference Lawyer Today
When the time comes to end your marriage, you need to hire a skilled divorce settlement conference lawyer. At Laura L. Davenport, LLC, we are here to serve you and protect your rights and interests. Divorce is never easy, but it can be a relatively quick process under certain circumstances.
When you need a lawyer you can trust, choose Laura L. Davenport, LLC. You can find us along U.S. 90, near the Lafayette Museum and the Acadian Center for the Arts. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
