About Barry M. Barnett — Family Law Alexandria Louisiana

Family law Alexandria residents have trusted at LaCroix, Levy & Barnett, LLC for decades, and Barry M. Barnett has been a central figure in that firm’s reputation since it was founded in 1990. Operating from 1101 Bolton Avenue in Alexandria, the firm serves clients throughout Central Louisiana across family law and personal injury matters. Barry is known for his personal style of practice — one client recalls receiving birthday cards from him years after a case closed, and multiple reviewers describe him as easy to talk with and genuinely attentive in a way that larger, impersonal practices rarely achieve. The firm collectively brings over 100 years of combined experience across its attorneys, and the vast majority of its cases arrive through client referrals — a figure that speaks directly to the loyalty its clients feel. Alexandria is the seat of Rapides Parish, which has a population approaching 126,000 and a median household income of $55,946, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Families in this region routinely face the same legal pressures found across Louisiana — divorce, custody arrangements, support orders, and succession planning — and having an attorney with deep community roots matters. Learn more about attorneys in Alexandria, Louisiana who serve families across the Rapides Parish area.

What Clients Say

Reviewers describe Barry Barnett as a genuine presence in their lives, not just a legal service provider. One client notes he’s “known Mr. Barry for 10 years” and calls him both a great friend and an outstanding attorney. Others say he handled their accident cases with exceptional care and made them feel comfortable enough to have real conversations. The birthday card detail — mentioned by more than one reviewer — says something about how Barry maintains relationships long after the legal work concludes. Clients who have dealt with him across multiple matters describe a friendly, down-to-earth professional who actually listens. None of the reviews contain hedged praise; every reviewer recommends him without qualification.

Family Law Alexandria — Practice Areas & Services

• Divorce and legal separation: The firm handles contested and uncontested divorce proceedings in Rapides Parish, including community property division and spousal support under Louisiana law.
• Child custody and support: Barry assists parents in establishing custody arrangements, parenting schedules, and child support orders that reflect each child’s actual needs and circumstances.
• Succession and estate matters: Louisiana’s civil law tradition creates unique succession rules, and the firm guides families through the inheritance and estate settlement process under state law.
• Property settlement: Post-divorce property disputes and separation of community assets are handled with attention to Louisiana’s distinct community property framework.
• Personal injury representation: The firm also handles auto accidents, 18-wheeler collisions, workers’ compensation, and slip-and-fall cases — offering clients a full-service practice under one roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Louisiana handle community property in divorce?

Louisiana is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. At divorce, community property is generally divided 50/50 unless the parties reach a different agreement. Separate property — assets owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance — remains with the original owner. Louisiana’s civil law tradition adds layers of complexity that differ from most other states, making local legal guidance especially valuable in Alexandria-area divorces.

What custody arrangements are available in Louisiana?

Louisiana courts prefer joint custody when it serves the child’s best interests, meaning both parents share legal and physical custody in a structured arrangement. Sole custody is available when joint custody would be detrimental to the child. Courts evaluate factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the distance between households. In Rapides Parish, all custody cases go through the Ninth Judicial District Court.

What is succession under Louisiana law?

Louisiana’s succession law is rooted in its civil law heritage and differs significantly from the common law probate systems used in other states. The process of transferring a deceased person’s estate to heirs is called a succession proceeding, and it is handled in the parish where the deceased resided. Forced heirship rules may require a portion of the estate to pass to certain children regardless of the will’s instructions. Working with an attorney familiar with Louisiana succession law is essential for families dealing with an estate in the Alexandria area.