Louisiana Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support in Louisiana using the state's Judicial Discretion. Includes likelihood, amount range, duration, and the statutory factors that drive the result.
Louisiana divorces typically cost 44% less than the national average of $12,900.
Alimony in Louisiana
- Formula type
- Judicial Discretion
- Fault considered
- Yes
- Domestic violence factor
- No
- Equal parenting presumption
- No
- Waiting period before final
- 180 days (about 6 months)
Alimony Calculator in Louisiana: What You Should Know
Louisiana decides final spousal support at the court's discretion, and fault carries unusual weight. A spouse who was at fault in causing the breakup of the marriage is generally barred from receiving final periodic support at all. For a spouse who clears that hurdle, the court weighs need against the other spouse's ability to pay, along with the length of the marriage, the standard of living, earning capacity, and each spouse's financial resources. Louisiana also caps final periodic support at one-third of the paying spouse's net income.
Key point: In Louisiana, a spouse found at fault in the breakup can be barred from final support entirely, and any award is capped at one-third of the paying spouse's net income.
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Use your gross (before-tax) annual income.
Use their gross (before-tax) annual income.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Alimony in Louisiana - Frequently Asked Questions
How is alimony calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not use a fixed formula. Judges determine alimony case by case using statutory factors including marriage length, standard of living, earning capacity, fault.
How long does alimony last in Louisiana?
Duration in Louisiana typically scales with marriage length. Short marriages (under 5 years) often produce limited rehabilitative support. Medium marriages (5 to 15 years) commonly produce alimony lasting roughly one third to one half of the marriage length. Long marriages (20+ years) may produce indefinite or permanent alimony, particularly when the recipient cannot reasonably become self-supporting.
Can alimony be modified in Louisiana?
Yes. Either spouse can ask the court to modify alimony based on a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, retirement, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or a serious health change. Louisiana courts typically require the change to be material and not anticipated at the time of the original order.
Does fault affect alimony in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana considers marital fault as a factor in alimony decisions. Misconduct such as adultery, abandonment, or abuse may increase, reduce, or in some cases bar an alimony award.
Is alimony tax deductible in Louisiana?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer deductible by the payer or taxable to the recipient under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This federal rule applies in Louisiana as it does in every state. Older orders entered before 2019 generally retain the prior tax treatment unless modified.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.