Shreveport, LA Divorce Attorney
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Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana
Divorce is never easy. It can impact nearly every part of your life, from your relationships with your children to your financial security and long-term plans for the future. During such a difficult time, it is important to have an attorney you can rely on for both legal knowledge and steady guidance.
Michael J. Vergis is a respected Shreveport, Louisiana divorce attorney with over 25 years of legal experience in family law, civil litigation, personal injury law, and criminal defense matters in the state. He has an extensive history of serving the best interests of the people of Shreveport, Bossier City, and the nearby NWLA areas, offering trusted guidance during some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Nuestro Shreveport family lawyers approach every case with both skill and compassion, taking the time to understand your unique situation and the goals you want to achieve. Whether your case involves child custody, alimony, child support, or property division, you will have a lawyer who is committed to standing by you at every stage of the divorce process.
When you choose to work with La oficina legal de Michael J. Vergis, you gain an advocate who will assist you in making informed decisions while protecting your rights under Louisiana law. With decades of courtroom and negotiation experience, Shreveport, LA divorce attorney Mike Vergis knows how to fight for fair results while minimizing unnecessary conflict, helping you move forward with confidence.
Llama (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation today.
Why Hire a Divorce Attorney in Shreveport?
No one expects to get divorced when they go into marriage, but the unfortunate fact is that many do end in divorce. The process can bring significant emotional and financial stress, making it critical to have a trusted law firm manage the legal details. With the right attorney, you can ease the burden and focus on moving forward.
Abogado Michael J. Vergis brings more than 25 years of experience handling divorce cases in Louisiana’s family courts. From complex child custody disputes to property division concerns, he provides clear guidance tailored to your situation. By scheduling a consultation, you can discuss your options and create a legal strategy designed to protect your interests.
Whether your spouse has already filed for divorce or you are considering taking that step yourself, now is the time to seek legal support. Our law firm works directly with clients on cases ranging from straightforward divorces to highly contested matters. With in-depth knowledge of Caddo Parish family court procedures and a commitment to personalized representation, we are prepared to stand with you through every stage of the process.
What To Expect During the Louisiana Divorce Process
Divorce begins when one party files a petition in court, and the other spouse is served with divorce papers along with a deadline to respond. Before filing for divorce in Shreveport, however, there are important legal requirements you must meet. For example, at least one spouse must be a Louisiana resident for at least six months before starting the process.
The state also enforces waiting periods depending on whether the divorce is filed on fault or no-fault grounds. In most cases, Louisiana requires a waiting period of either six months or one year.
It’s also important to note that Louisiana follows community property law, which means that any income, debts, or property acquired during the marriage is considered marital property. If spouses cannot reach an agreement on how to divide these assets, the court will decide for them. In many cases, this results in a 50/50 division of property between both parties.
An experienced divorce attorney can explain how these laws apply to your case and help ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected throughout the legal process.
What’s the Cost of Divorce in Louisiana?
La average cost of divorce in Louisiana typically ranges from about $5,000 a $15,000, depending on the complexity of the case. An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on major issues, is usually on the lower end of the scale, sometimes costing only a few thousand dollars in attorney fees and court costs. A contested divorce involving disputes over child custody, property division, or support can significantly increase expenses, often reaching $10,000 or more.
Since every family faces unique circumstances, such as business ownership, high-value assets, or complex parenting arrangements, your actual expenses may differ from the average. In any case, working with an experienced divorce lawyer can help you anticipate and manage these costs.
Divorce & Family Law Cases We Provide in Shreveport
Contested and Uncontested Divorce
Generally, a divorce may be classified as either contested or uncontested. A divorcio impugnado en Luisiana arises when spouses cannot agree on important issues such as property division, financial matters, or child custody. These cases often require the guidance of a divorce attorney or mediation to help resolve disputes and reach a fair settlement.
Un uncontested divorce case in Louisiana occurs when both parties are able to agree on all major terms without outside intervention. While this process is typically faster and less expensive, couples should still consider working one-on-one with an experienced attorney. Even in uncontested cases, an attorney can provide valuable assistance by ensuring the agreement is legally sound and protects both parties’ interests under Louisiana law.
Fault and No-Fault Divorce
Louisiana is considered a no-fault divorce state, meaning spouses do not need to prove wrongdoing to end their marriage. Under Articles 102 y 103 of Louisiana law, there are two primary types of divorce proceedings. A no-fault divorce is available when spouses have lived apart continuously for a required period (typically 180 days if there are no children or 365 days if the couple has minor children).
Louisiana also allows fault-based divorce if one spouse can prove misconduct by the other. Grounds for a fault-based divorce include adultery, a felony conviction, or physical or sexual abuse. In these cases, the spouse seeking divorce must present evidence of the wrongdoing, and the separation period requirements may differ depending on the circumstances.
Child Custody and Visitation
When parents go through divorce, one of the most difficult issues involves child custody and visitation. Courts in Louisiana place the best interests of the child above all else, but disagreements can still arise in instances involving relocation, parenting schedules, or allegations of abuse.
Working with a local child custody lawyer can help you protect your parental rights while creating a plan that supports your child’s well-being. As a seasoned Shreveport, LA divorce attorney, Michael Vergis understands Caddo Parish family court procedures and can advocate for the arrangement that works best for your family.
Child Support and Spousal Support
When parents are unable to agree on financial support after a divorce, the court steps in to establish child support and spousal support obligations in Louisiana. Determining these payments can be complicated, as the court considers each parent’s income, expenses, and the best interests of the child. Having the right representation is essential for protecting your financial stability and ensuring that all claims are handled fairly, whether they relate to child support, alimony, or both.
If you need an alimony and/or child support attorney in Shreveport, Michael J. Vergis can provide the guidance you need. With decades of experience in family law, he helps clients understand how support is calculated, what factors the court evaluates, and how to pursue or contest claims effectively.
Division Of Assets and Debts
Another one of the more complex aspects of a Shreveport divorce is dividing marital property and debts. Louisiana follows community property laws, which means that most assets and liabilities acquired when a couple is married are considered jointly owned by both spouses. As a result, property division laws in Louisiana typically require that marital property be split equally, regardless of whose name is on the title or account.
This process can include dividing homes, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement plans, and even business interests, along with shared debts such as mortgages, loans, and credit card balances. An experienced divorce attorney like Mike Vergis can help ensure that property is classified correctly as either marital or separate, safeguard your rights during negotiations, and work toward a fair resolution that protects your financial future.
Modifications and Enforcement Orders
Life circumstances can change long after a divorce is finalized, and court orders may need to be adjusted to reflect new realities. Modifications may be necessary when income changes, a parent relocates, or a child’s needs shift over time. Likewise, enforcement becomes critical if one party fails to comply with existing court orders for child custody, support, or property division.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, our experienced Shreveport divorce lawyers can help you petition the court for modifications or take action to enforce existing orders. Whether you need to update a support arrangement, seek more time with your child, or ensure compliance with financial obligations, having skilled legal guidance ensures your rights remain protected and the court’s rulings are upheld.
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders
Domestic violence can have a serious impact on divorce and custody proceedings. In these situations, the court may issue domestic violence restraining orders or other protective measures to safeguard victims and their families. These orders can affect child custody, visitation rights, and even access to the family home.
Because the consequences of such orders are significant, having strong legal representation is essential. An experienced attorney can help you petition for a protective order if you are a victim, or defend your rights if you are accused. In either case, the right legal support ensures that your safety, reputation, and parental rights are fully considered by the court.
Looking for a Divorce Attorney in Shreveport? Trust The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis
If you are considering divorce, it’s incredibly important to have experienced legal representation to guide you through every step of the process. At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, our team of dedicated Shreveport divorce lawyers understands how stressful and life-changing these matters can be. We provide the knowledge and compassionate support you need to move forward with confidence.
Whether your case involves child custody, property division, or support matters, we are well-versed in Louisiana divorce laws and how they apply to your unique situation. Our goal is to help you negotiate fair agreements whenever possible, while still being prepared to protect your interests in court when need be.
When you work with a Shreveport, LA divorce attorney like Michael J. Vergis, you have an advocate who is committed to helping you make informed decisions throughout the entire process and secure the best possible outcome for your future.
Call Shreveport, LA Divorce Attorney Michael Vergis to Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, we understand the concerns you may have about your family, finances, and future, and we are here to provide the steady representation you deserve.
Take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing a better future—reach out to an experienced Shreveport-Abogado de divorcio de Bossier City at our firm today to schedule your confidential consultation. You can easily contact our office through the consultation request form on our contact page or by phone at (318) 698-3724 to schedule an appointment.
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