Louisiana Residency Requirements
Residency requirements for filing for divorce in Louisiana. Learn how long you need to live in the state, what counts as residency, and what to do if you just moved. Updated for 2026.
State Residency
6
months minimum
County Residency
months minimum
Note: Under La. C.C.P. art. 10(A)(7), a Louisiana court has jurisdiction over a divorce action if at least one party is domiciled in Louisiana. To establish domicile, the spouse must have resided in the parish where the petition is filed. While no statutory minimum residency period is specified, courts generally require at least six months of domicile in the state. The petition must be filed in the parish where either the petitioner or respondent is domiciled, or in the parish of the last matrimonial domicile.
Louisiana Residency Requirements Explained
Before you can file for divorce in Louisiana, at least one spouse must meet the state's residency requirement. This means you must have been a bona fide resident of Louisiana for a minimum of 6 months prior to filing your petition.
In addition to the state requirement, Louisiana also requires that you have lived in the county where you file for at least months. You must file in the county where you (or your spouse) reside.
The residency requirement applies to only one spouse. If your spouse lives in another state, you can still file in Louisiana as long as you personally meet the requirement.
How to Prove Louisiana Residency
If the court or your spouse challenges your residency, you may need to provide evidence. Common proof of residency includes:
Valid Louisiana driver's license or state ID
Active voter registration in Louisiana
Current lease agreement or mortgage for a Louisiana address
Louisiana state tax returns filed as a resident
Utility bills in your name at your current address
Pay stubs or employment verification in Louisiana
Bank statements showing a Louisiana address
Vehicle registered in Louisiana
Check your eligibility to file
Answer a few questions and Divorce.ai will confirm if you meet Louisiana's residency requirements.
Military Personnel & Residency
Active duty military members have special residency options for divorce. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), military members can claim residency in Louisiana if:
- •They are currently stationed in Louisiana
- •They maintain Louisiana as their legal domicile (home of record)
- •Their spouse lives in Louisiana
Military divorce may also involve unique considerations like military pension division, BAH, and deployment-related custody issues. Consult a military-experienced attorney if needed.
What If I Just Moved to Louisiana?
Start your countdown. Note the date you moved to Louisiana. You can file after 6 months from that date.
Prepare now. Use the waiting time to gather financial documents, complete your forms, and reach agreement with your spouse.
Consider your previous state. If you still meet the residency requirements in the state you left, you may be able to file there instead.
Emergency protections are available. If you need protection from domestic violence, you can file for a protective order regardless of residency status.
Don't wait to prepare
Start your Louisiana divorce paperwork now so you can file the day you meet residency requirements.
Where to File in Louisiana
Once you meet Louisiana's residency requirements, you must file for divorce in the correct court. In Louisiana, divorce is filed in the county where you or your spouse lives.
Filing Location Checklist
- ✓Confirm you meet the 6-month state residency requirement
- ✓Confirm you meet the -month county residency requirement
- ✓Identify the correct court for your county
- ✓Check local filing rules and any county-specific forms
- ✓Check if e-filing is available in your county