Louisiana Child Support
Estimate Your Child Support

Federal law requires that all states have a child support enforcement program. The Louisiana child support program is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Louisiana child support payment guidelines use the "Incomes Shares" model to determine child support. This means that the level of support is calculated using the combined adjusted gross incomes of both parents. Each party then determines his or her proportionate share of the combined amount.

The total child support obligation is determined by adding together the basic child support obligation, the net child care costs, the cost of health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, and other extraordinary expenses.

In new child support orders after January 1, 1994 that are not being enforced by the Department of Social Services, the court includes an immediate income assignment unless there is a written agreement between the parties or the court finds a good cause not to require an immediate income assignment.

If the parents agree on custody of the children, the court shall award custody in accordance with their agreement unless the best interest of the child suggests something different. If there is not an agreement, or if the agreement is not in the best interest of the child, the court shall award custody to the parents jointly.

However, if custody by one parent is shown to clearly serve the best interest of the child, the court shall award custody to that parent.

Calculate Child Support Using
Louisiana Child Support Guidelines

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