Louisiana Divorce Documents Needed: Complete Checklist by Filing Track

Documents for the Initial Filing (Both Article 102 and 103)

Regardless of which filing track you choose, the initial petition packet requires the same core documents:

Petition for Divorce. The foundational document that initiates your case. It identifies both parties by full legal name, states the date and parish of marriage, lists the grounds for divorce (Article 102 or Article 103(1)), and makes any ancillary demands (custody, support, property). Article 102 self-help instructions may call for filing in triplicate — one for the court, one for your spouse, and one for your records — so check your parish's packet for the required copies.

Verification of Petition. Both filing tracks require a notarized verification of the petition, signed by the petitioner attesting that the allegations are true and correct to the best of their knowledge. The required form and contents depend on the filing track and parish. You sign this before a notary public, who affixes their seal.

Civil Cover Sheet. Many judicial districts require a civil cover sheet that identifies the type of case, the parties, and the attorneys (or indicates self-representation). Some parishes have their own specific forms; others use a standard template.

In Forma Pauperis Affidavit (if applicable). If you cannot afford the filing fees, this standardized form documents your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Filed simultaneously with the petition.

Filing fee or IFP application. The advance deposit runs $250–$400 depending on the parish. The clerk won't accept your petition without payment or a properly filed IFP application.

Additional Documents for Article 102 Divorce

Because Article 102 is a two-step process, you'll need documents at both stages:

At the Rule to Show Cause stage (filed after the separation period ends):

Rule to Show Cause. A verified pleading under CCP Article 3952 requesting the court to finalize the divorce. Must be notarized and allege: the original petition was served, the separation period has elapsed, and the parties have lived separate and apart without reconciliation.

Verified Affidavit of the Mover (CCP Art. 3956(5)). A separate notarized affidavit attesting that you and your spouse are currently living separate and apart, have maintained continuous separation during the entire statutory period, and have not reconciled.

Proposed Judgment of Divorce. The draft judgment for the judge to sign. It must include the correct case number, party names, statutory basis, and language dissolving the marriage.

Additional Documents for Article 103(1) Default

Article 103(1) divorces that proceed to default judgment require a confirmation packet:

Affidavit of Correctness. A notarized statement attesting that the allegations in the petition are true, the defendant was properly served and did not file a response within the statutory period, and the petitioner is entitled to the relief requested. This replaced the old "preliminary default" procedure after the 2022 reforms.

Proof of Service. The sheriff's return of service or the filed waiver of citation, showing the date and method of service. The court needs this to verify that the response deadline has passed.

Proposed Judgment of Divorce. Same as for Article 102 — a draft judgment for the judge's signature.

Certificate of Non-Filing (in some parishes). A clerk-issued certificate confirming that the defendant has not filed any responsive pleading. Not all parishes require this, but some judges want it in the record.

Service Documents

Depending on your service method, you'll need one of these:

Request for Sheriff Service. A form directing the sheriff to serve the petition on your spouse at a specified address. Include a service fee check payable to the sheriff's office of the parish where your spouse will be served.

Waiver of Service and Citation. If your spouse cooperates, this notarized document signed by the defendant waives the requirement for sheriff service. Must be executed after the petition is filed and docketed, in the presence of a notary public.

Curator ad hoc materials. If you cannot locate your spouse after diligent efforts, document your search and file a Motion to Appoint a Curator ad Hoc. The court appoints an attorney to represent the absentee spouse; an advance curator fee deposit is typically $400–$600, depending on the court.

Documents You Gather (Not File)

Several documents don't get filed with the court but are essential for preparing your case:

• Certified marriage certificate from Louisiana Vital Records or the parish where you married
• Birth certificates of minor children of the marriage
• Proof of domicile — driver's license, voter registration, utility bills, lease
• Financial documentation for ancillary matters — tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, debt statements (needed if requesting support or dividing property)
• Military service records (if applicable) — PCS orders, LES statements

Parish-Specific Forms

Louisiana has 64 parishes and over 40 judicial districts, and many have their own local forms and procedures. Before filing, check:

• Your parish court's self-help desk or website for local forms
• The Louisiana Legal Navigator (louisianalegalnavigator.org) for standard templates
• The clerk of court's office to confirm what they require in the filing packet

Some parishes have moved to electronic filing. Others still require paper filings in triplicate. The acceptance requirements and packet formats vary enough that what works in East Baton Rouge might get rejected in Caddo.

The Louisiana Divorce Filing Process Guide includes a comprehensive document checklist organized by filing track, pre-formatted templates for the verification affidavit and affidavit of correctness, and a parish contact directory so you can confirm local requirements before you file.

See more Louisiana guides →