14 Resources
Official Louisiana Supreme Court self-help portal providing standardized forms for custody petitions, visitation schedules, and family law filings statewide. Downloadable packets include instructions for unrepresented parties. Covers child custody, paternity, protective orders, and divorce. Available 24/7 online — no account needed. Print forms, file at your parish clerk of court, and pay applicable filing fees.
225-382-3000 · Statewide Online Resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Free civil legal representation for qualifying low-income women in southeast Louisiana covering custody, divorce, protective orders, and family law matters. Call 504-529-1000 during business hours to apply and confirm income eligibility. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court documents. Attorneys assist with filings, motions, hearings, and negotiations. Serves Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and surrounding parishes. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.
504-529-1000 · 1010 Common St Suite 2600, New Orleans, LA 70112 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Free family law representation for qualifying low-income women in the Acadiana region, covering custody, child support, divorce, and protective orders. Serves Lafayette, St. Landry, Vermilion, Iberia, and surrounding parishes. Call 337-237-4320 to apply; income limits apply. Bring government-issued ID, proof of income, and any existing court orders. Staff attorneys help with court filings and hearings. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.
337-237-4320 · 1020 Surrey St, Lafayette, LA 70501 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Free civil legal assistance for qualifying low-income women in northwest Louisiana covering custody, divorce, child support, and domestic violence protective orders. Serves Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, and surrounding parishes. Call 318-222-7186 to screen for income eligibility. Bring photo ID, pay stubs or benefit statements, and any relevant court papers. Attorneys represent clients in family court hearings. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.
318-222-7186 · 720 Travis St Suite 200, Shreveport, LA 71101 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Orleans Parish Family Court handles all domestic and family matters including child custody, visitation, support, adoption, and protective orders for New Orleans residents. Walk-in self-help assistance available for unrepresented parties. Bring all relevant documentation, prior orders, and government ID. Filing fees may apply; fee waivers available for qualifying low-income petitioners. Located at 421 Loyola Ave. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm.
504-658-3400 · 421 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
The Louisiana State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects women with licensed family law attorneys across Louisiana for custody, divorce, and child support consultations. Call 800-421-5722 to request a referral. Initial consultations are typically reduced-fee. Attorneys are screened for relevant experience. Have a brief summary of your situation ready. Hours Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm. Not free, but a starting point for finding qualified local counsel.
800-421-5722 · 601 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Free online legal resource providing state-by-state custody and visitation guides written by attorneys specifically for women. Covers legal vs. physical custody, modification of orders, relocation, and how domestic violence affects custody decisions. Use the website to understand your rights before court dates. No account needed. Available 24/7 at womenslaw.org — also offers an email hotline staffed by advocates.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The American Bar Association Family Law Section maintains a public attorney directory and educational resources on custody, divorce, and parenting plans. Use the Find-A-Lawyer tool to locate board-certified family law attorneys in your state. Free publications explain custody standards, best-interest-of-child analysis, and modification procedures. Access the resource library at americanbar.org — no registration required.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The federal Office of Child Support Services oversees all state child support enforcement programs and coordinates interstate cases. Their website provides a directory linking directly to each state agency, information on establishing paternity, enforcing orders, and modifying support amounts. Free to access at acf.hhs.gov/css. Useful if the other parent lives in a different state from you.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
USA.gov is the official US government portal with plain-language guidance on child custody and child support, including links to every state enforcement agency. Explains how to apply for support, enforce existing orders, and modify amounts when circumstances change. Available in multiple languages. Access free at usa.gov/child-support — no account needed. A reliable starting point for understanding your rights and next steps.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
ChildWelfare.gov is a federal information gateway offering research-based guidance on custody, kinship care, foster care, and parenting plans. Resources include publications on co-parenting, grandparent rights, and trauma-informed approaches for children experiencing family transitions. Free at childwelfare.gov — no registration required. Especially useful for grandmothers, kinship caregivers, and foster parents navigating custody processes.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges provides research, best practice guides, and judicial training on custody, domestic violence, and child welfare. Their public resource library includes toolkits for understanding how courts evaluate custody and the impact of DV on custody decisions. Free at ncjfcj.org. Particularly useful for women preparing for custody hearings where abuse is involved.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute offers free, authoritative legal definitions and overviews of family law topics including custody standards, visitation rights, child support guidelines, and termination of parental rights. Plain-language articles link to primary sources like statutes and case law. Available 24/7 at law.cornell.edu — no account needed. A reliable resource for understanding legal terminology before consulting an attorney.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
FindLaw provides free public legal information on child custody arrangements including sole vs. joint custody, parenting plans, custody modifications, and enforcement of orders. State-specific guides explain how courts determine best interest of the child and what to expect during hearings. Access 24/7 at family.findlaw.com — no registration needed. Also includes an attorney directory if you need to hire representation.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website