Louisiana Divorce Filing Fee
Court costs to file for divorce in Louisiana: base filing fee, service of process, and any county clerk surcharge.
Louisiana divorces typically cost 44% less than the national average of $12,900.
Louisiana fee schedule
| Base filing fee range | $200 - $400 |
| Service of process fee | $75 |
| County clerk surcharge | $50 |
| Total minimum | $325 |
| Total maximum | $525 |
Last verified: January 2025.
Filing fee details
Locked to Louisiana on this page.
Pick your county for an exact filing fee, or leave blank to see the state-wide range.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Louisiana county filing fees
Filing fees for the largest counties in Louisiana. Confirm with the local clerk before filing, as fees can change.
| County | Filing Fee | Surcharge | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caddo | $200 | $25 | $225 | Shreveport area. |
| East Baton Rouge | $200 | $100 | $300 | Baton Rouge area. |
| Jefferson | $250 | $100 | $350 | Metairie area. |
| Orleans | $300 | $100 | $400 | New Orleans. Highly variable; verify with clerk. |
| St. Tammany | $200 | $65 | $265 | Covington/Mandeville area. |
Filing fee is the base petition cost. Surcharge covers any county-level add-on (CCRC, court technology, domestic relations surcharge, etc.). Total is what you pay the clerk before service of process.
Filing Fees in Louisiana - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Louisiana?
Filing for divorce in Louisiana typically costs $325 to $525 in court fees. This includes the base filing fee ($200 to $400), service of process ($75), and any county clerk surcharge (about $50).
Are there fee waivers for divorce filings in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana courts allow filers who cannot afford the fees to apply for a waiver, sometimes called an in forma pauperis (IFP) or fee waiver application. Approval is typically based on receipt of public assistance, income below a court-set threshold, or documented hardship. Applications are submitted to the court clerk along with the divorce petition.
Does it cost more to file a contested divorce in Louisiana?
The initial filing fee in Louisiana is the same regardless of whether the case is uncontested or contested. The difference shows up in motion fees, hearing fees, and attorney costs as the case progresses. Each contested motion typically adds $30 to $100 in court fees, plus the attorney time to draft and argue it.
Are filing fees the same in every county in Louisiana?
Filing fees in Louisiana are set by state statute, but counties can add their own surcharges and processing fees. The fees shown here use Louisiana's statewide range. Confirm the exact fee with your county clerk before filing, particularly in larger metropolitan counties.
When are divorce filing fees due in Louisiana?
Divorce filing fees in Louisiana are due at the time you submit your petition. Most courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards (with a small processing fee). If you are pursuing a fee waiver, submit the waiver application together with the petition. The clerk will not accept the filing without payment or an approved waiver.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.