James & Bradley Law Firm has handled family law matters out of our Covington office for years, and we’re one of the few firms in St. Tammany Parish that also handles the criminal side of domestic cases under the same roof. If you’re going through a divorce, a custody fight, or you’ve been served with a protective order petition, that overlap matters, because family court and criminal court in Louisiana don’t always stay in separate lanes.
Our office is a short drive from the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center at 701 N. Columbia Street, where most 22nd Judicial District Court family law matters are heard. We know the courts and procedures, the court staff, and the local filing quirks that can slow down someone handling a case on their own.
Divorce in Louisiana: What Actually Happens
Louisiana is a community property state, so most assets and debts acquired during the marriage get divided, regardless of whose name is on the account or the title. There are generally two paths to a divorce judgment here:
- No-fault divorce after the spouses have lived separate and apart for the required period under Louisiana Civil Code Article 103.1, 180 days if there are no minor children of the marriage, 365 days if there are
- Fault-based divorce, which can be granted without waiting out a separation period on grounds such as adultery, certain felony convictions, physical or sexual abuse of the other spouse or a child, or a protective order or injunction issued against the other spouse during the marriage
Which path fits your situation depends on the facts. We’ll go over property division, spousal support, and custody with you before anything gets filed.
Child Custody and Visitation
Louisiana courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child, a standard set out in Louisiana Civil Code Article 134. The potential for the child to be abused is the primary consideration the court must weigh, above every other factor. Beyond that, judges also look at things like each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s own preference if they’re old enough to express one.
Most cases end up with some version of joint custody, but joint custody doesn’t always mean an even split of time. We work toward custody arrangements that actually fit your work schedule and your kids’ school and activities, not a generic 50/50 template. If your child is in immediate danger, you may be able to request an emergency custody order without waiting for a normal hearing.
Child Support
Child support in Louisiana follows the income shares model under Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:315 and the sections that follow it. The court combines both parents’ gross incomes, checks that number against the state’s child support schedule, and splits the total obligation based on each parent’s share of the combined income. Daycare, health insurance, and extraordinary medical or educational costs get added on top of the base amount.
We handle new support orders, modifications when someone’s income or the children’s needs change, and enforcement when a parent falls behind.
Protective Orders and Domestic Abuse Cases
Domestic abuse allegations create exposure on two fronts at once, a civil protective order case and, often, a separate criminal charge. Because our firm handles both criminal defense and family law, we look at the whole situation instead of just one half of it. That matters when a protective order petition and a criminal complaint come out of the same incident, since what happens in one case can affect the other.
Family Law and Criminal Defense Under One Roof
Some family law cases do not stay entirely in family court. A protective order, domestic abuse allegation, or other incident can create both family-court and criminal consequences. Because James & Bradley handles both family law and criminal defense, we can address those overlapping issues as part of the same overall situation.
We regularly handle family law matters in the 22nd Judicial District Court, right here in Covington.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a family law consultation cost?
We offer a free phone consultation to go over your situation and explain your options before you spend anything.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
You’re not required to have one, but even an uncontested divorce involves paperwork that has to be filed correctly with the 22nd Judicial District Court, and a mistake in the filing can delay your case by months. Most clients find it’s worth having someone check the paperwork even when both spouses agree on the terms.
Can a custody order be changed later?
It depends on how your current order was set. If a judge heard evidence and made custody findings within the last five years (a “considered decree”), Louisiana Civil Code Article 138 requires clear and convincing evidence that the benefits of changing custody substantially outweigh the harm the change would cause, or that the current arrangement is so harmful to the child that a change is justified. For older considered decrees, or for arrangements the parents agreed to rather than a judge deciding after a hearing, the standard is a material change in circumstances since the last order affecting the child’s welfare, along with showing the change is in the child’s best interest. Either way, you’ll need real evidence, not just a preference for something different.
What if there’s a domestic violence issue mixed into my custody case?
Tell us right away. Under Louisiana law, the potential for abuse is the primary factor courts must weigh in a custody decision, and a qualifying finding of family violence can trigger additional protections under Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:341 and 9:364, including a presumption against awarding custody to the abusive parent. It can also mean a separate criminal case is running alongside your family court case. We handle both sides, so nothing falls through the cracks between two different attorneys.
Your attorneys: Michael Bradley and Mark James, founding partners of James & Bradley Law Firm.
Talk to a Covington Family Law Attorney
If you’re dealing with a divorce, a custody dispute, a child support issue, or a protective order in St. Tammany Parish, call our Covington office at 985-276-4740 or fill out the form below for a free phone consultation.