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Last Modified on Oct 31, 2025
When going through a divorce, couples often feel overwhelmed. The thought of a public trial can be disheartening. Many clients aren’t aware of the benefits of a confidential divorce settlement in Lafayette, LA. These conferences are designed to help clients settle divorce issues without going to trial, to reduce costs, preserve relationships, and avoid years of stress on all involved.
Experienced Family Law Firm in Louisiana
For over 18 years, Laura L. Davenport, LLC, has helped hundreds of Louisiana clients get through tough times in life. She has a niche focus on family law and has become a pillar in Lafayette’s legal community. Ms. Davenport represents individuals and families in custody and child support cases, spousal support, and the entirety of divorce proceedings.
Common Elements of a Divorce Settlement in Lafayette, LA
A divorce settlement conference in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a private meeting designed to help couples work out the issues of divorce without going through litigation. A divorce conference is an opportunity for both sides to discuss important matters, such as:
- Property division. In 2023, 55% of Lafayette residents were homeowners. The division of personal belongings and income, along with high-value real estate, is a common issue. It’s important to hire a divorce settlement conference lawyer for those going through a divorce. A lawyer can ensure a fair resolution for their clients.
- Child custody and support. Parents know what their children need and what is in their best interests when it comes to custody and support. Working with an experienced child custody lawyer ensures these agreements protect the child’s well-being and remain legally sound. A divorce settlement conference allows parents to make decisions about their children without the interference of a judge.
- Spousal support. With the average income in Lafayette being $61,454 in 2023, knowing what to expect for spousal support payments is vital information for a divorcing couple. A skilled spousal support lawyer can help ensure fair and accurate calculations that reflect each party’s financial situation. Spousal support is meant to help maintain the cost of living for the receiving spouse, during and after divorce, until they remarry or become self-sufficient.
How to Prepare for a Divorce Settlement Conference in Lafayette, LA
When both parties come prepared to the settlement conference, the process is often smoother. Preparation usually starts with gathering important documents, such as:
- Financial documents
- Pay Stubs
- Tax records
- Bank statements
- Retirement account balances
- Information about debts and other assets
Clients will then want to create a realistic plan for property division, draft a proposal for spousal support, and draft a proposed parenting plan, if applicable.
A parenting plan outlines ideals for matters relating to the care of the children. This includes where the children will physically reside, how time between parents will be divided, who will be in charge of making decisions for the children’s health, religion, and education, how special dates like holidays will be spent, and how daily tasks like school pick-up and drop-offs will be decided.
Parents should bring records related to the children to a divorce settlement conference. These records can include school reports, medical records, or activity schedules.
With accurate and complete information, Laura L. Davenport can help parties draft legally valid documents and achieve their desired outcomes while saving money and time.
The Benefits of a Divorce Settlement in Lafayette, LA
These meetings tend to be valuable to most divorcing couples. A settlement conference provides privacy. Most things revealed during these meetings are confidential, compared to a public trial. This can help ensure any personal issues between a couple stay private, as well as financial information.
Settlement conferences tend to be faster than a trial, as couples maintain control over the outcome of the settlement. If a conference fails and the couple cannot agree on issues, a judge will make the final decisions.
This is often not in alignment with the unique needs of a family unit and can negatively affect everyone involved. When the future of a family’s lives is at stake, leaving things in the hands of the court isn’t ideal.
In Lafayette, LA, settlement conferences are also less expensive than court proceedings. Litigation typically involves various filing fees, attorney fees, and ongoing costs depending on the length of the trial.
Maintain autonomy through a divorce settlement conference. With an experienced divorce settlement lawyer to help, you can stay in control.
FAQs
What Happens if Divorce Issues Cannot Be Resolved During the Settlement Conference in Lafayette?
Sometimes, not every divorce issue is resolved at the settlement conference. Couples don’t need to agree on every issue. Even partial agreements help reduce the time that will have to be spent in court. As per Louisiana law, for any unresolved and unsigned issues, they’ll need to go to trial, where a judge will make the final decision. During these proceedings, a divorcing party will want an experienced family lawyer there for legal advocacy and representation.
How Can a Lafayette Divorce Settlement Lawyer Help?
A divorce settlement lawyer can help clients during conferences with a multitude of tasks. A lawyer can speak to the client beforehand to discuss goals and desires for the meeting. Financial issues such as spousal support and property division can be fairly negotiated, as well as matters involving children, such as custody and parenting plans. During the meeting, a lawyer can make offers and counter-offers on behalf of the client and ensure legal protection.
How Does One Defend Oneself in Regards to Child Custody During a Settlement Conference in Lafayette?
It’s important to provide extensive evidence to defend oneself regarding child custody. This can include all involvement in the child’s life, such as time spent with them. Be sure to include any involvement in the child’s medical care, schooling, and extracurricular activities. Be sure to show willingness to work with the child’s other parent. Showing that a person is an involved parent can be beneficial in getting more time with the child during child custody negotiations.
Why Is It Important to Design a Reasonable Property Division Plan?
It’s essential to draft a realistic and reasonable property division plan ahead of a divorce settlement conference. The settlement process will only work if both sides are fair and practical in expectations. Having a proposal that specifies property transfers, debt distribution, and spousal support plans is a great start.
Hire a Divorce Settlement Conference Lawyer That Louisiana Residents Can Trust
Attorney Davenport of Laura L. Davenport, LLC, has been helping divorcing Louisiana clients for decades. Contact the office today to schedule a first appointment with Ms. Davenport. She is dedicated to helping clients living in Lafayette and surrounding cities resolve divorce issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.
No one needs to go through a divorce alone. Laura L. Davenport, LLC, is here to help.
