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Updated May 2026

Orleans County, Louisiana Divorce Filing Fee

The court filing fee to file for divorce in Orleans County is $333.

$333
Filing Fee
No
Statewide Uniform
$15–$75
Service of Process
Available
Fee Waiver

Official Filing Fee in Orleans County

Orleans Parish Civil District Court
421 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112
$333
Filing Fee
Fee Item Amount
Divorce petition filing fee $333
Sheriff / certified mail service $15–$75
Certified copy of final decree $5–$25
Post-decree motions (if needed) $50–$200 each

Source: Orleans Parish Clerk of Court Fee Schedule 2025. Fee is county-specific; verify with the clerk before filing.

About Divorce Fees in Orleans County, Louisiana

The divorce filing fee in Orleans County is $333. Orleans County's fee reflects the combination of the state's base court fee plus local surcharges assessed by the county. The total can differ from neighboring counties within Louisiana.

When you file your divorce petition, the clerk will collect this fee upfront before your case is opened in the court docket. The fee covers administrative costs — docketing, record maintenance, issuance of summons, and one certified copy of your final decree of divorce.

The filing fee is only one component of total divorce costs. If your spouse must be served by the sheriff's office or a private process server, that adds another $15–$75. Attorney representation (if you choose to hire one) is separate and typically runs $150–$400 per hour in Louisiana. For an uncontested divorce with no property disputes, many people complete the process for $300–$800 total including filing and service.

How to File for Divorce in Orleans County

  1. 1
    Confirm residency requirements
    Louisiana requires you to have been a resident for a set period before filing. Confirm your county's residency rule with the clerk or the Louisiana family code.
  2. 2
    Prepare your divorce petition
    Download the official forms from the Orleans Parish Civil District Court website or pick them up at the courthouse. The petition (Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) describes the grounds, property, and any child-custody arrangements.
  3. 3
    File at the courthouse and pay the fee
    Bring your completed forms to the Orleans Parish Civil District Court at 421 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112. Pay the $333 filing fee by cash, check, or credit card (confirm payment methods with the clerk). You will receive a case number.
  4. 4
    Serve your spouse
    Your spouse must be formally notified (served) with the divorce papers. Options include sheriff service ($15–$75), certified mail, or a private process server. Your spouse then has a set number of days to respond.
  5. 5
    Negotiate or attend hearings
    If both spouses agree on all terms (uncontested), you submit a Marital Settlement Agreement. If not, the court will schedule hearings and, potentially, a trial.
  6. 6
    Obtain your final divorce decree
    Once the judge signs the final decree, you are legally divorced. Request a certified copy from the clerk ($5–$25 extra) for your records — you will need it to update financial accounts, social security, and other records.

Can't Afford the Fee? How to Get It Waived

Every Louisiana court must provide a fee waiver process. Filing an Affidavit of Indigency (also called an In Forma Pauperis application) allows the court to waive the $333 filing fee if you qualify.

✓ Eligibility: Income typically below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or participation in a qualifying public benefit program (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, etc.)
✓ How to apply: Ask the Orleans Parish Civil District Court clerk for the fee waiver form at the time of filing. Submit it with your divorce petition.
✓ Free legal help: Your county's legal aid organization may help you complete the forms at no cost.
Full guide: How to waive divorce filing fees →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Orleans County, Louisiana?
The court filing fee for divorce in Orleans County is $333. This is the base clerk's filing fee — additional costs for service of process, certified copies, and attorney fees are separate.
Is the Orleans County divorce fee the same statewide?
No. Orleans County sets its own fee schedule, which differs from other counties in Louisiana. Always verify the current fee with the Orleans Parish Civil District Court before filing, as fees can change annually.
Can I get the divorce filing fee waived in Orleans County?
Yes. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can file an Affidavit of Indigency (also called an In Forma Pauperis application) with the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Eligibility typically requires household income below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. Ask the clerk for the waiver form when you submit your divorce petition.
Where do I file for divorce in Orleans County?
File your divorce petition at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, located at 421 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112. You must have resided in Louisiana for the required duration before filing (residency requirements vary by state — check your state's rules). Some courts also accept e-filing; contact the clerk to confirm.
What other fees should I expect besides the $333 filing fee?
Beyond the base filing fee, budget for: (1) Service of process: $15–$75 by sheriff or $50–$150 by private process server to serve your spouse; (2) Certified copy of final decree: $5–$25; (3) Motion fees: $50–$200 each if your case becomes contested; (4) Attorney fees if you hire counsel ($150–$400/hour is typical for Louisiana). Total out-of-pocket for an uncontested divorce is commonly $400–$800 including filing and service.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Orleans County?
Timeline depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. Louisiana's mandatory waiting/separation period applies in all counties. Uncontested divorces with no children typically conclude in 3–6 months; contested cases can take 1–3 years.