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Last Modified on Sep 22, 2025
Divorce is always challenging, no matter the issues involved. For Louisianans living near Lafayette Regional Airport or residing just off of Settlers Trace Boulevard, a divorce in Lafayette is never easy. For some, one of the major concerns is the cost of a courtroom trial. Avoiding litigation drama can help save you both time and money, which is why it is so important to understand your Lafayette divorce settlement options.
Avoid Courtroom Drama With Laura L. Davenport, LLC
For decades now, the team at Laura L. Davenport, LLC, has been helping folks throughout Lafayette Parish seek the outcomes they desire and deserve in divorce. Your divorce doesn’t have to be messy, and it doesn’t have to be a fight. In fact, in most courtroom cases, the attorneys involved are usually the only ones walking away with a true win. At Laura L. Davenport, LLC, we are not interested in just making money from your case. We are here to help you.
Ways to Avoid the Courtroom in Your Lafayette Divorce
Louisiana sees a relatively low divorce rate compared to other states, at just 0.7 cases per every 1,000 residents. When most people think of divorce, they picture lengthy and dramatic court battles, like the ones seen on reality television. Thankfully, courtroom trials for divorce are not necessarily the norm. In fact, only around 5% of divorce cases actually proceed to trial.
In Lafayette, there are two main ways you can avoid having to go to court to resolve your divorce: a divorce settlement conference or mediation.
Divorce Settlement Conference
In a divorce settlement conference, both parties must volunteer for this process, or it must be court-ordered. The two parties meet with their attorneys present to reach resolutions regarding various aspects of their divorce.
Common issues that need to be resolved include child support, spousal support, property division, and child custody. Spouses can discuss these issues and then try to reach an agreement. Each party voices their opinions and negotiates until a settlement can be agreed upon.
Settlement conferences are usually much more formal than other out-of-court options, and there is a specific protocol that must be followed by all involved parties.
Understanding Mediation
Mediation is a process that both parties must volunteer to take part in. A neutral third party, known as the mediator, helps the couple reach a resolution regarding the various topics of their divorce. This mediator is typically highly skilled in negotiation, problem-solving, and communication. They are there to facilitate the discussion between the couple.
The main difference between mediation and divorce settlement conferences is that a third party is present in mediation cases, even though this process is typically less formal than a conference. An attorney, however, can be present in either case to ensure that your rights and interests are both vocalized and protected and that the outcome of either process is fair to you.
Benefits of Settling Your Divorce Outside of Court
Apart from sparing yourself the drama of a courtroom divorce, other options, such as mediation or divorce settlement conferences, can have several benefits. These benefits include:
- Lower costs. When a divorce case goes to trial, the costs involved can become astronomical. Fighting a court battle ensures that the only parties who walk away with a win are the lawyers involved. Court battles are extremely expensive, which is why seeking a resolution outside of the court can be so crucial to your own financial stability and future.
- Less stress. Courtroom drama creates stress, which doesn’t just affect you; it can impact your children as well. If you can avoid a lengthy and hostile divorce battle, you should, as it can also help preserve an amicable relationship between you and your soon-to-be ex for the benefit of your children.
- More control. Seeking a divorce outside of court can also afford you more control over the outcome. Instead of looking to a judge who knows nothing about you apart from your finances and legal situation, getting a divorce through mediation or a settlement conference can ensure that your personal interests are voiced and protected.
FAQs
Can I Get a Divorce in LA Even if My Spouse Doesn’t Want One?
Yes, you are able to seek a divorce in Louisiana even when your spouse doesn’t want to get divorced. However, in cases of mediation or settlement conferences, being on the same page regarding the divorce is of utmost importance. In cases where one spouse cannot agree on the divorce, court litigation is more apt to take place.
How Are Assets Divided in a Lafayette Divorce?
In a Lafayette divorce, Louisiana works to divide marital property equally between the spouses. This type of property has been obtained or grown in value during the marriage and includes things like the family home and any other real estate properties, such as a vacation home or rental; any debts or loans, such as a home mortgage loan; assets like jewelry, art or home furnishings; retirement benefits; money placed into a shared bank account; or vehicles.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in LA?
Typically, most divorce cases in Louisiana cost around $6,705. However, this number does not take into account the costs involved if your case undergoes extensive courtroom litigation. When a couple cannot agree on the issues involved in their divorce and instead continue to fight it out in court, they can rack up much more money in court and legal fees.
Can a Lawyer Help Me Settle My Divorce Outside Court?
Having an attorney on your side in a divorce case can help you settle outside of court. Your attorney can review the details of your case and determine what you may be entitled to before helping you file. Once your case is filed, your attorney can look over all the financial information of both you and your spouse and ensure that all negotiations proceed in a way that is fair to you while still remaining amicable.
Hire a Divorce Settlement Conference Lawyer Today by Calling Laura L. Davenport, LLC
Engaging in courtroom litigation rarely concludes with the outcome you’re hoping for. Instead, a divorce settlement can help ensure your rights and interests are protected while saving you the time, money, and emotional headache that usually accompany a court battle. Trust Laura L. Davenport, LLC, to advocate for you and help you reach an amicable outcome. Contact us today to hire a skilled divorce settlement lawyer in Lafayette.
