Picture of Louis Cosenza
Louisiana State Bar
Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization 1993
Baton Rouge Bar Association
United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit
Seal of The Supreme Court of The United States
AFCC

Necessity is the Parent of Invention – LGBT Couples in Louisiana

Color Hearts The April 27, 2014 edition of EatPlayLive in The Advocate announced the California wedding of a same sex couple. After a honeymoon, the couple will return to live in New Orleans. This couple undoubtedly knows that their marriage, performed elsewhere, is not recognized in this state. Many members of the LGBT community, however, believe that eventually Louisiana will be required to recognize their marriages even if our State refuses to permit them to occur here.

In the meantime, LGBT couples have some legal tools at their disposal that enable them to govern their legal relationships in ways similar to those of couples whose marriages are recognized. Legal tools that LGBT couples in Louisiana can use include:

  • For example, if a gay couple wishes to “adopt” a property regime that is similar to that of a community of acquets and gains, it may purchase major assets as co-owners. If debt must be assumed in order to purchase a major asset, such as a residence, both may promise to repay it. Co-owners may enter into agreements concerning who pays what portion of the expenses associated with a co-owned asset that may help a couple work out a fair arrangement if one is a high earner and the other is not.
  • If a gay couple is in business together, the business organization (e.g. a partnership’s articles or a corporation’s articles of incorporation and by-laws) may take into consideration that there is more going on than an arm’s length transaction.
  • A gay couple may enter into a formal domestic partnership agreement in another state that recognizes them and use that agreement, to the extent Louisiana law permits it, to govern their relationship here. The key is creativity as you navigate what is lawful and what violates Louisiana’s public policy against gay marriage.

If you live in Louisiana (or intend to move here) and are thinking about entering into a committed LGBT relationship, you would do well to consult with a Louisiana family lawyer and a Louisiana business lawyer before you do.

What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
I highly recommend Louis
I hired Louis to represent me in my custody battle. From the start he was upfront and honest with me, if he said he was going to do something he did it and he never attempted to settle for anything less than what I was asking. He was not afraid to go head to head with opposing counsel which is what we ended up having to do. Thanks to Louis and his experience and knowledge of family law we won our case. I highly recommend Louis and will always use him for my future family Court needs.
Caleb
★★★★★
Brilliant Mind and Excellent Communication
I had no idea how to even look for an attorney when I found myself needing one. Mr. Cosenza is the best attorney I have encountered, and I took a lot of time finding one. He is brilliant in matters of the law. He approached my case from every angle. I am so thankful he was my attorney. I started out knowing absolutely nothing about court related matters. He answered even my smallest questions and guided me through to understand what was best for me and my children. He was excellent in communication with quick replies. He will have all of my recommendations.
Becky
★★★★★
Attorney Cosenza at his craft
My journey with Mr. Cosenza began nearly 3 years ago when I contacted him about divorce proceedings. During our initial consultation he told me exactly what to expect and we discussed cost, which I thought reasonable. After retaining him as my attorney and finalizing my divorce, things became fairly intense during the negotiation of the property settlement; yet he was relentless and tenacious. In the end, we prevailed victorious and everything came together perfectly. Attorney Cosenza always responded in a timely manner to my many calls, emails and texts. He gave clear, detailed, rational explanations of what I could expect. His work on my case has been life changing, in the best way possible. I am forever in his debt.
Sean
★★★★★
He does his very best
Working with Louis Cosenza truly helped to make my very difficult emotional and legal situation feel much more comfortable as I knew his experience and expertise was there to support and guide me. He knows the law and he does his very best to use that knowledge to represent his clients in and out of the courtroom.
Craig
★★★★★
Hands down the best experience I’ve had with a lawyer
I would like to start by saying I am from TX and my ex wife tried to file a judgment in LA. I contacted a number of lawyers that explained to me that this maybe a process that they could look into. I spoke with Mr. Cosenza with his 30 plus year of experience and he assured me this was not going to be a issue. He was very informative on the proceedings that where going to take place. He couldn’t have called it any better. There wasn’t even a need for me to travel to show in court. It is definitely worth a little extra to hire one of the best. I hope I hope won’t be needing his help again but if I do need another lawyer in LA. I won’t hesitate to contact him and he will be my lawyer again.
Michael