What is the initial document a plaintiff must file to initiate a divorce action under Louisiana Civil Code article 102?

To initiate a divorce action under Louisiana Civil Code article 102, the plaintiff must file a petition for divorce. This document serves as the formal request to the court to grant a divorce, outlining the basis for the action and the specific relief sought.

When a plaintiff files a petition for divorce, it provides the court with the necessary information to understand the circumstances of the marriage and the reasons for seeking a divorce. It must contain pertinent details about the parties involved, their marriage, and any children, if applicable. Additionally, the petition sets the stage for subsequent legal procedures, including the potential for a hearing and the agenda for resolving any ancillary issues such as child custody, support, and division of property.

Other options listed do not serve the initial purpose of starting a divorce action. For example, an answer to interrogatories is a response to specific questions posed by the opposing party and comes into play after initial pleadings are filed. A plea in abatement is typically used to suspend or dismiss a case based on procedural grounds and not appropriate for initiating a divorce. Lastly, a motion for summary judgment is a request for the court to rule in favor of the moving party without a full trial, which occurs only after the litigation has already begun. Thus, the