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The Future of No-Fault Divorce: Why Louisiana Should Be Watching Texas & Oklahoma Closely

  • Writer: Celeste Hall
    Celeste Hall
  • Jun 16
  • 2 min read

Divorce Without the Drama? That Might Change.


For decades, no-fault divorce has allowed couples to end marriages without pointing fingers, assigning blame, or dragging dirty laundry into the courtroom. But in 2025, this common-sense legal approach is facing serious threats in several Southern states - and Louisiana might be next.


Close-up of a couple exchanging wedding rings during divorce proceedings, with signed divorce decree paperwork on the table—symbolizing legal separation, no-fault divorce, and family law services in Louisiana.

⚖️ What Is No-Fault Divorce, and Why Does It Matter?


In Louisiana, no-fault divorce lets spouses end a marriage after 180 days of living apart (or 365 if minor children are involved). It’s designed to:


  • Reduce conflict

  • Protect children

  • Shorten costly court battles

  • Give couples a respectful exit when things don’t work out


But that peace-of-mind is under pressure.

State

Proposal Highlights

Status

Oklahoma

Would eliminate no-fault entirely via SB 829

In committee (2025)

Texas

Would create covenant marriage default (HB 3379)

Active as of March

Mississippi

Still lacks a true no-fault option

Reform bills died

These laws could force couples into court unless both agree to divorce—and that means longer trials, bigger bills, and more emotional strain.


What About Louisiana?


Right now, we’re holding steady. Louisiana has:


  • No active 2025 bills to eliminate no-fault divorce

  • Optional covenant marriage for those who want to waive no-fault (very rare)


But pressure is building. National figures like U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (from Louisiana) and Senator J.D. Vance are pushing faith-based marriage models and questioning “easy divorce.” If that mindset picks up steam here, our laws could shift fast.


Who Gets Hurt if No-Fault Goes Away?


Rolling back no-fault would be devastating for:


  • Survivors of domestic violence, who’d be forced to prove abuse in court just to leave

  • Low-income families, who can’t afford lengthy fault-based litigation

  • Parents trying to co-parent, who may face scorched-earth custody fights


A 2022 study showed that fault-based states had 34% higher legal costs and 21% longer divorce timelines. And in states with no unilateral exit? Female homicide rates are higher.


💬 At Johnson Carroll Law, We Believe in Strategic Separation—Not Courtroom Warzones


If these laws pass here, we’ll be ready. But we’re hoping Louisiana continues to protect families who need closure, not chaos.


Whether you’re filing now or just exploring your options, we’re here to help you navigate with clarity, compassion, and control.


📲 Book a consultation today. Don’t wait until it gets harder to walk away.

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