Louisiana Child Support Guidelines

Louisiana child support uses a shared income model based on parents' combined earnings. Each parent contributes proportionally to their income, with adjustments for existing obligations and expenses like healthcare and childcare. Support typically continues until the child reaches 18, or 19 if still in high school.

When parents separate or divorce, child support payment becomes a critical concern. Each state has established specific guidelines to help ensure that parents meet their financial obligations to support the basic needs of the child.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Louisiana child support guidelines.

How Louisiana Calculates Child Support

The state of Louisiana uses a shared income model when calculating child support obligations. This is based on the concept that each child should receive financial support similar to that amount if the parents lived together. Louisiana also uses Obligation Worksheet A to calculate the total support obligation.

Child Support Calculation

The process to determine the fundamental child support obligation in Louisiana follows the following steps:

1. Calculate the combined gross income of both parties. The court of Louisiana law defines “gross income” as income coming from any source. This includes the income from the following:

• Salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, dividends
• Recurring monetary gifts, workers’ compensation
• Social security benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Disability insurance benefits
• Military allowances

2. Determine the adjusted gross income. From the gross income of both parents, subtract any preexisting child support or spousal support obligations under other court orders. The amount of child support obligation paid on behalf of the parent’s minor child is not subject to the present action.

3. Total the combined adjusted gross income of both parents.

4. Determine each parent's basic child support obligation. Using the Louisiana child support schedule, the court will assess the basic child support amount. This amount is often based on the number of children and the combined income of both parents along with other factors.

5. Additional expenses. The court will consider other expenses, such as childcare costs, health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, and other special expenses that the Louisiana court deems necessary.

6. The court divides the total child support amount between the parents proportionally. The amount of obligation is often based on the proportion of combined income.

7. The court issues the final child support order. The order specifies the payment amount, schedule of support, and method of payment.

Custodial and Non-Custodial Parent Obligations

The child support system in Louisiana adjusts a parent's child support obligation based on the parent's custody arrangement and income.

The court adjusts the child support payment if the noncustodial parent has a higher income than the custodial parent. The parent earning the higher income is responsible for a more significant portion of the child support obligation.

If the noncustodial parent earns less income than the custodial parent, they will be responsible for a lower part of the child support obligation.

Although Louisiana presumes that shared custody is in the best interests of the child, the child support guidelines don't make many allowances for joint custody.

The court may consider the amount of time the child spends with the noncustodial parent to adjust the amount of child support. They may also consider the direct payments that the parent with physical custody of the child spends to the child. (Section 9:315.8).

Additional Expenses

Other than the basic child support obligation, the Louisiana court may order additional expenses:

• Childcare costs
• Health insurance premiums
• Extraordinary medical expenses
• Other extraordinary expenses

Louisiana Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Although legal research begins with reading the relevant statutes, the legal jargon can make it daunting. Consult the chart below for key takeaways about Louisiana's child support guidelines.

Disclaimer: Laws are subject to change through various means, including higher court decisions and newly passed legislation. Consider conducting your legal research or contacting an attorney near you to verify the laws of your state.

Related Resources for Louisiana Child Support Guidelines

• Louisiana Family Laws
• Louisiana Child Support Laws

Seek Legal Advice from a Child Support Attorney

Understanding Louisiana child support guidelines is crucial as it impacts your financial obligations and the best interest of the child. Each family’s circumstance creates a unique child support case.

It is best to seek the legal advice of a child support attorney. They can provide personalized legal advice particularly tailored to your case. A child support attorney can also help you understand your rights and obligations under Louisiana child support laws.