Big River

July 2022

Family Law

How Does Divorce in a Covenant Marriage Work

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  How Does Divorce In A Covenant Marriage Work Divorce is never easy or pleasant. Aside from the emotional toll that a break-up entails, there are legal matters that need to be considered and fulfilled before a couple can obtain a dissolution of their marriage. Although some divorces can be less complicated than others, divorce proceedings, in general, are filled with complex requirements that require the assistance and guidance of a divorce lawyer. In addition to the complexities of a typical legal divorce, there also exists a type of marriage called covenant marriage in Louisiana. This type of marriage differs from a conventional marriage in that it requires additional provisions when parties to a covenant marriage seek a dissolution of their marriage. Given the necessary complication in a covenant marriage, obtaining the legal representation of a reputable divorce lawyer can provide great value and guidance to any party seeking divorce and is part of a covenant marriage. What Is A Covenant Marriage? In Louisiana, Revised Statutes Title 9 §272 defines covenant marriage as “a marriage that is intentionally entered into by a male and female individual who both understood and agreed to hold themselves married in a lifelong relationship.” A covenant marriage is not very common in Louisiana, even though the law recognizes it. The Louisiana legislature developed this type of marriage to encourage couples to seek counseling when issues in their marriage arise and require such counseling before a couple can obtain a divorce or legal separation from each other. How Do You Enter A Covenant Marriage? As noted above, a covenant marriage is entered by male and female individuals who agree and understand to consider themselves married to each other in a lifelong relationship. In order to enter a covenant marriage, a couple must first receive counseling emphasizing the nature and the purposes of the marriage they are entering into and the responsibilities of being married. Secondly, the couple must enter into a covenant marriage contract by declaring their intent on their application for a marriage license and executing a declaration of intent to enter into a covenant marriage. The marriage license and the declaration of intention must then be filed with the official who issued the marriage license. Can Parties To A Covenant Marriage Get Divorced? Yes, they can.  However, couples in a covenant marriage typically have a more challenging time getting a divorce than their conventional marriage counterparts since additional provisions are only applicable to the dissolution of this type of marriage. What Is Required From A Couple In A Covenant Marriage To Obtain Divorce? The provisions that covenant marriage couples must both satisfy before they can obtain a dissolution of marriage are as follows: The couple must legally agree to seek marital counseling if issues develop during their marriage; and The couple is limited to the following grounds for divorce or legal separation: Adultery by one of the parties; Sexual or physical abuse of one of the parties or a child of either party; Abandonment by the other spouse for at least one year; Commission of a felony by one of the parties that receive a sentence of imprisonment at hard labor or death; or Parties have lived separate and apart from each other for at least two years, or if the parties are judicially or legally separated, and have lived separate and apart from each other since the legal separation for either one of the following: At least one year and six months if there is a minor child/children of the marriage; At least one year if the separation was granted due to an abuse of a child of either party; or At least one year of separation if not based on any abuse. What Are The Differences Between A Couple In A Covenant Marriage Obtaining Divorce From A Traditional Married Couple? In a covenant marriage, the couple is required to fulfill both requirements before they can be granted divorce: 1.) That the couple had sought marital counseling during their marriage when a marital issue arose, and 2.) The couple must allege or base their petition on the dissolution of their marriage or legal separation on the limited grounds listed above. Whereas couples who are in traditional marriages, specifically for those filing a 103 Divorce basis, only need one of the parties to file for divorce based on the following grounds: Adultery by one or both of the parties; Sexual or physical abuse of one of the parties or a child of either party; The couple have lived separate and apart from each other for at least two years; Commission of a felony by one of the parties, and that the said party receive a sentence of imprisonment at hard labor or death; or One of the parties commits habitual intemperance, whether it is alcohol or drug abuse, cruel treatment, or severe mistreatment of the other party. Being a party to a covenant marriage presents some obstacles in obtaining a dissolution of marriage. Thus, it is crucial to consult and seek the assistance of a knowledgeable divorce lawyer to explain the law and assist you in satisfying the requirements needed to obtain a divorce, given your marital situation. Through the guidance of a well-versed lawyer, a couple in a covenant marriage could successfully file for divorce in a seamless manner within the requirements of the law. If you or a loved one is a party to a divorce or contemplating divorce, you need a dependable family lawyer well-versed in divorce law on your side. Our highly experienced family and divorce lawyers are here to guide and help you in your case. Please call us at (225) 963-9638, or you can click here to contact us about a consultation. Our dependable divorce lawyers can help you assess your situation, represent your interests, and answer any concerns you may have regarding your lawsuit.

Lawyer working with clients.
Ley Familar

¿Cómo funciona el divorcio en un matrimonio de pacto?

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¿Cómo Funciona El Divorcio En Un Matrimonio De Pacto? El divorcio nunca es algo fácil ni placentero. Además del costo emocional que conlleva una ruptura, hay asuntos legales que deben considerarse y cumplirse antes que una pareja pueda obtener la disolución de su matrimonio. Aunque algunos divorcios pueden ser menos complicados que otros, los procedimientos de divorcio, en general, están llenos de requisitos complejos que requieren la asistencia y orientación de un abogado de divorcios. Además de las complejidades de un divorcio legal típico, también existe un tipo de matrimonio llamado matrimonio de pacto en Luisiana. Este tipo de matrimonio difiere de un matrimonio convencional en que requiere disposiciones adicionales cuando las partes en un matrimonio de pacto buscan la disolución de su matrimonio. Dada la complicación necesaria en un matrimonio de por acuerdo, obtener la representación legal de un abogado de divorcio de buena reputación puede brindar un gran valor y orientación a cualquier parte que busque el divorcio y forma parte de un matrimonio por acuerdo. ¿Qué Es Un Matrimonio Por Acuerdo? En Luisiana, el Título 9 §272 de los Estatutos Revisados define el matrimonio por acuerdo como “un matrimonio que contrae intencionalmente un hombre y una mujer que entendieron y acordaron mantenerse casados en una relación de por vida”. Un matrimonio por acuerdo no es muy común en Luisiana, aunque la ley lo reconoce. La legislatura de Luisiana desarrolló este tipo de matrimonio para alentar a las parejas a buscar asesoramiento cuando surgen problemas en su matrimonio y requieren dicho asesoramiento antes que una pareja pueda obtener el divorcio o la separación legal entre sí. ¿Cómo Se Entra En Un Matrimonio Por Acuerdo? Como se señaló anteriormente, un matrimonio por acuerdo es contraído por individuos masculinos y femeninos que están de acuerdo y entienden que se consideran casados entre sí en una relación de por vida. Para contraer un matrimonio por acuerdo, la pareja debe primero recibir asesoramiento que enfatice la naturaleza y los propósitos del matrimonio que están celebrando y las responsabilidades de estar casados. En segundo lugar, la pareja debe celebrar un contrato de matrimonio por acuerdo declarando su intención en su solicitud de licencia de matrimonio y ejecutando una declaración de intención de contraer matrimonio por acuerdo. La licencia de matrimonio y la declaración de intenciones deben presentarse al funcionario que emitió la licencia de matrimonio. ¿Pueden Las Partes De Un Matrimonio Por Acuerdo Divorciarse? Sí, sí pueden. Sin embargo, las parejas en un matrimonio por acuerdo suelen tener más dificultades para obtener el divorcio que sus contrapartes matrimoniales convencionales, ya que las disposiciones adicionales solo son aplicables a la disolución de este tipo de matrimonio. ¿Qué Se Requiere De Una Pareja En Un Matrimonio Por Acuerdo Para Obtener El Divorcio? Las disposiciones que las parejas que contraen matrimonio por acuerdo deben cumplir antes de que puedan obtener la disolución del matrimonio son las siguientes: La pareja debe aceptar legalmente buscar asesoramiento matrimonial si surgen problemas durante su matrimonio; y La pareja se limita a los siguientes motivos de divorcio o separación legal: El adulterio cometido por una de las partes; Abuso sexual o físico de una de las partes o un hijo de cualquiera de las partes; Abandono por parte del otro cónyuge durante al menos un año; El que una de las partes incurra en un delito grave que recibe una sentencia de prisión con trabajos forzados o muerte; o Las partes han vivido separadas durante al menos dos años, o si las partes están separadas judicial o legalmente, y han vivido separadas y separadas entre sí desde la separación legal por uno de los siguientes: Al menos un año y seis meses si hay un hijo menor o hijos del matrimonio; Al menos un año si la separación se concedió debido a un abuso de un niño de cualquiera de las partes; o Al menos un año de separación si no se basa en ningún abuso. What Are The Differences Between A Couple In A Covenant Marriage Obtaining Divorce From A Traditional Married Couple? En un matrimonio por acuerdo, la pareja debe cumplir con ambos requisitos antes de que se les pueda conceder el divorcio: Que la pareja había buscado asesoramiento matrimonial durante su matrimonio cuando surgió un problema conyugal, y La pareja debe alegar o basar su petición en la disolución de su matrimonio o separación legal por los motivos limitados enumerados anteriormente. Mientras que las parejas que están en matrimonios tradicionales, específicamente para aquellos que presentan una base de divorcio 103, solo necesitan que una de las partes solicite el divorcio basándose en los siguientes motivos: Adulterio cometido por una o ambas partes; Abuso sexual o físico de una de las partes o un hijo de cualquiera de las partes; La pareja ha vivido separada durante al menos dos años; La comisión de un delito grave por una de las partes, y que dicha parte reciba una sentencia de prisión con trabajos forzados o muerte; o Una de las partes comete intemperancia habitual, ya sea abuso de alcohol o drogas, trato cruel o maltrato severo de la otra parte. Ser parte en un matrimonio por pacto presenta algunos obstáculos para obtener la disolución del matrimonio. Por lo tanto, es importante consultar y buscar la ayuda de un abogado experto en divorcios para explicarle la ley y ayudarlo a cumplir con los requisitos necesarios para obtener un divorcio, dada su situación matrimonial. A través de la guía de un abogado experimentado, una pareja en un matrimonio por acuerdo podría solicitar el divorcio sin problemas dentro de los requisitos de la ley. Si usted o un ser querido es parte de un divorcio o está pensando en divorciarse, necesita un abogado de familia confiable y conocedor en la ley de divorcio de su lado. Nuestros abogados de familia y divorcios altamente experimentados están aquí para guiarlo y ayudarlo en su caso. Llámenos al (225) 963-9638, o puede hacer clic aquí para ponerse en contacto con nosotros para realizar una consulta.

Lesiones Personales

¿Cuánto tiempo tienen las aseguradoras para arreglar un vehículo?

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Estar involucrado en un accidente de auto es un acontecimiento horrible debido a los daños a la propiedad y las lesiones físicas y emocionales involucradas y el que consume tiempo de tratar con las empresas de seguros mientras se tiene que lidiar con las otras repercusiones del accidente. Una de las primeras preocupaciones que tiene mucha gente es a quién le van a arreglar o sustituir el coche. ¿Cuánto Tiempo Tienen Las Aseguradoras Para Arreglar Un Vehículo En Luisiana? Por lo general, las empresas de seguros están obligadas a iniciar el trámite de los siniestros de daños materiales en un plazo de 14 días a partir de la notificación del siniestro. En concreto, el Estatuto Revisado de Luisiana § 22:1892 Sección A.3 establece lo siguiente: Salvo en el caso de un siniestro catastrófico, la aseguradora iniciará la liquidación de un siniestro de daños materiales y una reclamación de gastos médicos razonables en los catorce días siguientes a la notificación del siniestro por parte del reclamante. En virtud de este lenguaje, las empresas de seguros están obligadas por la ley a cumplir con la reparación de los daños de un vehículo a motor en los catorce días siguientes al siniestro. ¿Qué Es Un «Plazo Razonable» Para Que Una Compañía De Seguros Resuelva Un Siniestro? A diferencia del ajuste de las reclamaciones de daños materiales, el pago de los daños por lesiones no es tan sencillo, ya que primero habrá que determinar la reclamación antes de poder pagar una indemnización. No existe un plazo determinado en el que deban resolverse las reclamaciones por accidentes de tráfico. Más bien, las empresas de seguros sólo están obligadas a liquidar los siniestros en un «plazo razonable». Un problema de esta terminología es cómo interpretarla y cómo se aplica de manera determinable. Por desgracia, la respuesta depende en gran medida de numerosos factores del siniestro y del accidente. Los casos más complejos en los que intervienen numerosos factores suelen tardar más en determinarse, ya que las empresas de seguros tendrían que dedicar más tiempo a realizar su investigación evaluando todos los factores. Por otro lado, los siniestros sencillos suelen tardar menos tiempo en evaluarse y pueden resolverse fácilmente antes. ¿Cuáles Son Los Factores Que Pueden Influir En El Tiempo Que Tardan Las Compañías De Seguros En Aceptar O Rechazar Un Siniestro? Existen numerosos factores que pueden prolongar o afectar a la tramitación de su reclamo por parte de las compañías de seguros. Algunos de estos factores son, entre otros, los siguientes La gravedad de las lesiones declaradas en el reclamo. El alcance de las pérdidas o daños materiales incluidos en la reclamación. Cómo se complican los hechos del accidente de tráfico El número de partes implicadas en el accidente Si la culpa es compartida con otras partes, y en qué grado se comparten La comunicación entre el perito de seguros y la parte del siniestro La disponibilidad de los documentos y las pruebas necesarias para evaluar el reclamo. Si existen disputas sobre la culpa o la cobertura Si los testigos prestan un testimonio contradictorio o su disponibilidad para prestar su declaración Estos factores son información importante para la resolución de cualquier accidente de tráfico y la determinación de la reclamación. Así, cualquier complicación o evaluación de esta información podría retrasar razonablemente la decisión final de un reclamo. ¿Cuánto Tiempo Tienen Las Aseguradoras Para Pagar Las Indemnizaciones Por Daños A La Propiedad Según La Ley De Luisiana? Como se ha comentado anteriormente, los plazos de las compañías de seguros para determinar la resolución de un siniestro de automóvil se basan en la terminología «tiempo razonable». Por muy frustrante que sea, la buena noticia es que la ley indica un plazo específico que las compañías de seguros deben cumplir para arreglar un vehículo de motor tras la resolución de un siniestro. El Estatuto Revisado de Luisiana § 22:1892 Sección A establece lo siguiente: los aseguradores deben pagar tanto a los asegurados como a los terceros reclamantes «dentro de los 30 días siguientes a la recepción de las pruebas de pérdida satisfactorias del asegurado o de cualquier parte interesada o dentro de los treinta días siguientes al acuerdo por escrito de la liquidación de la reclamación de cualquier tercero reclamante», o lo que sea aplicable. En pocas palabras, la compañía de seguros está obligada por la ley a proporcionar el pago final al reclamante dentro de los 30 días siguientes a su determinación y aceptación de una reclamación de vehículos de motor. Tratar con las compañías de seguros puede ser tedioso, lento y confuso, y puede tener efectos adversos en su reclamación, su asegurabilidad y sus derechos. Por lo tanto, resulta práctico contar con un abogado versado y familiarizado con el trato con las compañías de seguros para garantizar que sus derechos y reclamaciones se preservan adecuadamente conforme a la ley. Si usted o un ser querido se ha visto involucrado en una reclamación de seguro de automóvil, necesita un abogado de confianza a su lado. Nuestros abogados especializados en lesiones están aquí para guiarle y ayudarle en su caso. Llámenos al (225) 407-0777 o haga clic aqui para una consulta. Nuestros confiables abogados en lesiones personales pueden ayudarlo a evaluar su situación, representar su reclamo y responder cualquier inquietud que pueda tener con respecto a su demanda.

Personal Injury

How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Property Damage Claims?

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How Long Does An Insurance Company Have To Property Damage Claims? Getting involved in a car accident is an awful event because of the property damage and physical and emotional injuries involved and the time-consuming act of dealing with insurance companies while having to deal with the other repercussions of the accident. One of the first concerns many people have is who will they get their car fixed or replaced. Generally, insurance companies are required to begin the adjustment of property damage claims within 14 days of being notified by the claimant. Specifically, Louisiana Revised Statute § 22:1892 Section A.3 states the following: Except in the case of catastrophic loss, the insurer shall initiate loss adjustment of a property damage claim and a claim for reasonable medical expenses within fourteen days after notification of loss by the claimant. Under this language, the insurance companies are required by the law to adhere to fixing a motor vehicle damage within fourteen days of the claim. What Is A “Reasonable Amount Of Time” For An Insurance Company To Settle A Claim? Unlike adjusting property damage claims, paying injury damages is not as simple since such a claim must first be determined before a settlement can be paid. There is no determined set amount of time when motor vehicle accident claims must be settled. Rather, insurance companies are only required to settle claims within a “reasonable amount of time.” An issue with this terminology is how to interpret it and how it applies in a determinable manner. Unfortunately, the answer is very dependent on numerous factors of the claim and the accident. More complex cases involving numerous factors will generally take longer to determine as insurance companies would have to take longer to conduct their investigation by evaluating all the factors. On the other hand, straightforward claims would generally take a shorter time to assess and could easily settle sooner. What Are The Factors That May Affect How Long It Takes Insurance Companies To Accept Or Deny A Claim? There are numerous factors that can prolong or affect the processing of your claim by insurance companies. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to the following: The severity of the injuries stated on the claim The extent of the property losses or damages included on the claim How complicated the facts are about the automobile accident The number of parties involved in the accident Whether the fault is shared with other parties, and to what degree are they shared The communication between the insurance adjuster and the party to the claim The availability of documents and evidence needed to assess the claim If there are any disputes regarding fault or coverage Whether witnesses provide conflicting testimony or their availability to provide their statement These factors are vital information in resolving any motor vehicle accident and determination of the claim. Thus, any complication or assessment of this information could reasonably delay the final decision of a claim. How Long Do Insurance Carriers Have To Pay Damages For Property Damages Claim Under Louisiana Law? As discussed above, insurance companies’ timeline in determining the resolution of a motor vehicle claim relies on the terminology “reasonable amount of time.” As frustrating as it may be, the good news is the law indicates a specific time frame that insurance companies must abide by in fixing a motor vehicle upon a settlement of a claim. Louisiana Revised Statute § 22:1892 Section A states the following: insurers must pay both insured and third-party claimants “within 30 days after receipt of satisfactory proofs of loss from the insured or any party in interest” or “within thirty days after written agreement of settlement of the claim from any third-party claimant,” or whichever applies. Simply put, the insurance company is required by the law to provide final payment to the claimant within 30 days of its determination and acceptance of a motor vehicle claim. Dealing with insurance companies can be tedious, time-consuming, confusing, and can have adverse effects on your claim, insurability, and rights. Thus, it is practical to have a well-versed lawyer familiar with dealing with insurance companies to ensure that your rights and claims are preserved adequately under the law. If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile insurance claim, you need a reputable lawyer on your side. Our highly experienced injury lawyers are here to guide and help you in your case. Please call us at (225) 963-9638, or you can go click here to contact us for a consultation. Our dependable personal injury lawyers can help you assess your situation, represent your claim, and answer any concerns you may have regarding your lawsuit.

Family Law

What is the Difference Between a 102 and a 103 Divorce in Louisiana?

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What Is The Difference Between A 102 And A 103 Divorce In Louisiana? Pursuing a divorce action in Louisiana generally begins with determining whether to invoke Louisiana Civil Code 102 or 103. Although both divorce basis shares specific requirements, they greatly vary in detailed proof, conditions, and procedures. Thus, it is vital to understand what each divorce type entails, the similarities, and their differences to better determine which of the two applies in your situation. What Is 103 Divorce In Louisiana? Divorce 103 is defined, and its requirements are stated in the Louisiana Civil Code 103. This basis for divorce is generally regarded as a more straightforward, faster, and more economical option to obtain a divorce in Louisiana because it does not require a Rule to Show Cause, unlike Divorce 102. However, this divorce basis must show immediate causes for divorce to be granted. Moreover, this type of divorce can be granted to a petitioner by a default judgment. A default judgment means that a judge can enter a ruling granting divorce to a petitioner if the defendant fails to respond to the divorce petition. What Is 102 Divorce In Louisiana? Divorce 102 is defined, and its requirements are stated in the Louisiana Civil Code 102. This type of no-fault divorce basis generally takes more time and steps since a Rule to Show Cause is required before a divorce can be granted. What Are The Key Differences Between A 102 And 103 Divorce? The key differences between these two types of no-fault divorce basis in Louisiana are outlined in the proof or paperwork required and proceedings. Divorce Paperwork Or Proof Required Generally, both 102 and 103 Divorce requires the following paperwork to be filed to obtain a dissolution of marriage in Louisiana: Divorce petition that shows the proper venue and jurisdiction where the divorce is filed Acceptance of Service and Waiver of Citation and All Delays Settlement Agreement between the parties, in certain circumstances Judgment of the Court Child Support Worksheet and Parenting Plan agreed upon by both parties if minor children are involved. An additional requirement for a 102 Divorce is a Rule to Show Cause which means there has to be a court hearing. This document is supposed to prove that the parties have met the mandated days of physical separation without reconciliation. A Rule to Show Cause document must state the following:  Proper service of the original petition to the other spouse; That the required 180 (no minor children) or 365 (with minor children) days have elapsed since the proper service; Parties have lived separate and apart for the required 180 (no minor children) or 365 (with minor children) days; Parties did not have a covenant marriage. However, note that a party to the 102 Divorce may expressly waive service of the Rule to Show Cause. Whereas in a 103 Divorce, the petitioner must allege that the other spouse has committed at least one of the following: Adultery; or Committed a felony and sentenced to death or imprisonment at hard labor; or Whether during the marriage, the other spouse has physically or sexually abused the petitioner or a child of one of the spouses. It does not matter for this requirement if the other spouse has been prosecuted or not for the abuse they have committed; or A protective order or injunction was issued after a contradictory hearing or consent decree during the marriage against the other spouse to protect the petitioner or child of one of the spouses. Divorce Proceedings In a 102 divorce proceeding, the parties can immediately file for their marriage’s dissolution without having to live separately and apart first. However, a mandated waiting period is 180 days for parties without minor children and 365 days for parties with minor children before the divorce can be finalized. If there are minor children in the marriage, a hearing would be scheduled after filing the petition to divorce. This hearing would be to discuss other divorce matters about child support, custody, and visitation matters. This hearing could be waived if the parties have an agreement addressing these matters. If no such deal is in place, the parties must attend a mandatory session with a court-appointed hearing officer to sort out child support, custody, and visitation matters. The role of the court-appointed hearing officer would be to assess the case and provide a recommendation regarding child custody, support, and visitation. Unless the parties or one party objects to the hearing officer’s recommendation within five days, the court’s findings become the court’s final judgment. However, if the parties have an objection to the court’s determination, they would be assigned for mediation before they can be set to proceed to a hearing with a judge. Whereas, in a 103 divorce proceeding, the parties without minor children must first live separately and apart for at least 180 days and a mandated 365 days to live separately and apart for parties that have minor children before filing for the divorce petition. It is important to note that reconciliation between the parties nullifies any action for divorce. Reconciliation requires that both parties intend to reconcile and that sexual relations or cohabitations on a limited or trial basis do not show proof of reconciliation. Understanding what entails and the differences between a 102 and 103 divorce in Louisiana is critical to ensure that your case is suitable for the type of divorce you would be filing. Having a family lawyer who is well-versed in divorce law can be extremely helpful in guiding you in pursuing the correct kind of divorce basis. Having a divorce attorney can explain the differences and help you provide the requirements to protect your interests and rights. If you or a loved one is a party to a no-fault divorce or contemplating a no-fault divorce, you need a dependable family lawyer well-versed in divorce law on your side. Our highly experienced family and divorce lawyers are here to guide and help you in your case. Please call us at (225) 963-9638, or

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