Free · Louisiana · Current law
Based on Louisiana's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:315.19 Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations. A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Louisiana uses a shared income model to calculate child support. First, the combined gross income of both parents is determined. Then, this is adjusted by subtracting pre-existing child support or spousal support obligations to arrive at the combined adjusted gross income. Using a statutory schedule based on the combined adjusted gross income and the number of children, a basic child support obligation is found. Additional expenses such as work-related childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to this basic obligation. Finally, the total child support obligation is divided between the parents proportionally, based on each parent's share of the combined adjusted gross income.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Louisiana guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
A divorce in Louisiana can take 180 days if there are minor children, or 365 days if there are no minor children, after the petition is filed and served. This is the mandatory waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.
While it is not legally required to have a lawyer for a divorce in Louisiana, it is highly recommended, especially if there are complex issues involving property division, child custody, or support. A lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and all legal requirements are met.
Yes, Louisiana is a no-fault divorce state. A divorce can be granted based on "irreconcilable differences" without needing to prove fault. The primary requirement is living separate and apart for a specified period (180 or 365 days).
Louisiana is a community property state. This means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered community property and are subject to a 50/50 split between the spouses, unless otherwise agreed upon or ordered by the court.
In Louisiana, a no-fault divorce is granted based on the spouses living separate and apart for a specified period (180 or 365 days) due to irreconcilable differences. A fault-based divorce, while less common now, would require proving specific grounds like adultery or abuse, which can impact alimony or property division in some cases.
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