At the law firm of Lorenzi & Barnatt, L.L.P., we handle divorce proceedings and child custody matters on behalf of clients from the Lake Charles area and surrounding communities.
Efficient and Practical Help From Experienced Lawyers
Our law firm was founded in 1990 by AV Preeminent-rated* attorney Thomas Lorenzi, who has more than 30 years' experience in the practice of law. Dan Lorenzi handles most of the firm's family law work. Consistent with the firm's team approach to addressing each client's needs, Dan's clients enjoy the benefit of assistance from the senior Mr. Lorenzi and assistance in financial aspects of family law, such as qualified domestic relations orders, from Theresa Barnatt.
"Our approach to family law cases is to be firm and fair. We don't believe that much gets accomplished when the lawyers and the spouses spend a lot of time yelling and screaming and jumping up and down. We prefer to take a professional approach, looking for acceptable compromises while protecting our clients' most important goals." — Attorney Dan Lorenzi
Basic Facts About Divorce in Louisiana
Louisiana is a no-fault divorce state. This means that spouses can get a divorce without accusing each other of marital misconduct such as abandonment, adultery or abuse. The exception to Louisiana's no-fault divorce rule is for spouses who enter into a covenant marriage. In covenant marriages, the spouses may not divorce without a showing of fault by one spouse or the other.
If you have minor children, Louisiana law usually requires parents to live apart for 365 days before a divorce will be granted. Exceptions are provided for situations involving domestic abuse or child abuse. In divorce cases with children, one of the most important early steps is to file a petition for a temporary order to cover issues like temporary child custody, child support and spousal support (alimony) during the yearlong separation period, and use of marital assets like the house and any cars.
If you do not have minor children, the waiting period in Louisiana is 180 days before a divorce decree can be finalized. The spouses may negotiate temporary arrangements for spousal support (alimony) and use of marital assets during the waiting period.
Generally, Louisiana follows the law of community property when it comes to the division of marital assets and debts. Under the rules of community property, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally between husband and wife. Exceptions are made for assets or debts that a spouse can show are separate from community property.
Contact a Calcasieu Parish Divorce Lawyer Today
Early advice in a divorce or child custody dispute can go a long way toward decreasing conflict down the road. To schedule a confidential appointment to talk over your family law concerns with one of our skilled lawyers, call 337-513-0886 or contact Lorenzi & Barnatt online.
* CV, BV, and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies.
Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.
