Louisiana Child Support Calculator
Calculate child support in Louisiana using the state's official Income Shares Model. Includes custody adjustments, health insurance credits, and childcare deductions.
Louisiana divorces typically cost 44% less than the national average of $12,900.
Child Support in Louisiana
- Formula
- Income Shares Model
- Income cap
- None specified
- Equal parenting presumption
- No
- Property system
- Community property
Child Support Calculator in Louisiana: What You Should Know
Louisiana uses the Income Shares Model under Revised Statutes 9:315, combining both parents' monthly gross incomes to find the basic obligation on the state schedule. The total is then split between the parents in proportion to their incomes, with the parent who has less custodial time generally paying their share to the other. Louisiana adds net childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and extraordinary medical expenses to the base figure. The schedule extends to a high combined income before the court turns to discretion, and there is no separate flat cap.
Key point: Louisiana applies the Income Shares Model under R.S. 9:315, prorating a combined-income obligation and adding childcare, health insurance, and extraordinary medical costs.
Tell us the basics
Locked to Louisiana on this page.
Use your gross (before-tax) monthly income. If you are paid annually, divide by 12.
Use their gross (before-tax) monthly income. If they are paid annually, divide by 12.
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.
Child Support in Louisiana - Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total obligation is proportional to their share of the combined income.
Can child support be modified in Louisiana?
Yes. Either parent can request a child support modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, change in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. Courts in Louisiana typically require a change of at least 15-20% in the support amount to justify modification.
Does custody arrangement affect child support in Louisiana?
Yes. Parenting time is a significant factor in child support calculations. When a parent has the children for a substantial portion of time (typically 40% or more overnights per year), child support is adjusted to reflect the additional direct costs that parent bears.
Is there an income cap for child support in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not set a specific income cap in its child support formula. However, courts have discretion to deviate from the guideline amount in cases with very high incomes.
How long does child support last in Louisiana?
Child support in Louisiana typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Support may continue longer if the child has a disability or if the parents agree to extend support for college expenses.
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.