How long must a couple live separate and apart to qualify for a divorce under Louisiana Civil Code article 102?

In Louisiana, to qualify for a divorce under Civil Code article 102, a couple must live separate and apart for a duration of 180 days if they have children together. This waiting period is designed to provide both parties time to reflect on their decision and to promote reconciliation, if possible. Article 102 specifically outlines that after the 180-day period of separation, either spouse can file for divorce without needing to prove grounds for the divorce, as the law allows for this no-fault dissolution of marriage after completing the mandated time apart. This is a clear and important distinction that highlights the importance of the separation time frame in divorce proceedings, aligning both with legislative intent and the process of dissolution in Louisiana.