Louisiana Child Support Guidelines: How Support Is Calculated
September 10, 2026 · LawDiver Research Team
Louisiana uses a Income shares framework under La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20. This guide explains how courts calculate support from gross income, when judges may deviate, how modification works, and how leading Louisiana opinions apply the statute. Pair this article with the CaseDiver search rail to pull additional Louisiana family-law decisions.
Primary keywords: Louisiana child support guidelines, La R.S. 9:315, Louisiana child support worksheet, modify Louisiana child support
Key takeaways
- Louisiana follows the Income shares model for presumptive child support.
- Income is generally measured using gross income, then allocated under La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20.
- Guideline amounts are presumptive, not automatic — courts may deviate when the facts justify it.
- Support generally continues until 18, or 19 if still in high school; major age and emancipation rules of the Civil Code also matter.
- Either parent can seek modification when material change in circumstances; a significant percentage difference from guidelines often accompanies rule to modify filings..
- Read the companion guide: Louisiana alimony / spousal support.
Statutory framework and guideline model
Louisiana's child support system is built around La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20. Under the income shares, Louisiana’s guidelines combine adjusted gross incomes, schedule a basic obligation, and allocate by income percentage. Shared custody, split custody, and add-ons for net childcare and health insurance are handled in the statutory worksheets.
Federal law requires every state to maintain presumptive guidelines and to review them at least every four years (42 U.S.C. § 667). Confirm the latest Louisiana schedule or worksheet before relying on any online calculator.
How child support is calculated in Louisiana
- Identify each parent's guideline income using gross income as defined in La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20 and the accompanying worksheets or administrative rules.
- Apply the income shares — whether that means a combined-income schedule, an obligor percentage table, or a Melson-style self-support reserve plus primary obligation.
- Allocate add-ons such as health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, and work-related child care according to Louisiana practice.
- Consider parenting time adjustments where the guidelines or case law authorize a credit or shared-custody formula.
- Test for deviation if a strict guideline result would be unjust or inappropriate on the record.
Online calculators can illustrate ranges, but only the controlling statute, guidelines, and court findings produce an enforceable order.
Deviation from the guidelines
Deviation requires written reasons and may reflect extraordinary medical expenses, other dependents, or inequitable guideline results.
When a court departs from the presumptive amount, Louisiana practice generally requires findings that explain why the guideline figure is unjust or inappropriate and what amount better serves the child's needs. Those findings matter on appeal and in later modification proceedings.
Modification of child support
Material change in circumstances; a significant percentage difference from guidelines often accompanies Rule to Modify filings.
A parent seeking a change typically must show that circumstances after the prior order make the existing award inequitable. Common triggers include job loss, substantial income changes, a new parenting-time schedule, emancipation of a child, or extraordinary medical needs. Retroactivity and temporary relief rules are statute-specific — check La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20 and local family-division procedures.
Enforcement in Louisiana
Department of Children and Family Services enforces support with withholding, intercepts, and contempt.
Interstate cases often implicate UIFSA. Income withholding, contempt, license suspension, and tax-refund intercept remain core tools nationwide, but the Louisiana child support agency and clerk of court procedures control day-to-day collection.
When child support ends
In Louisiana, Support generally continues until 18, or 19 if still in high school; major age and emancipation rules of the Civil Code also matter. Orders may extend for disability, secondary education, or other statutory grounds where the statute allows. Always read the judgment language — agreed orders sometimes set a different end date or require a notice of emancipation.
Case law: how Louisiana courts apply the guidelines
The opinions below are in the LawDiver corpus. Each block quote is taken from the opinion text so you can jump from this guide into the full decision.
SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SERVICES v. Beasley
SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SERVICES v. Beasley, 801 So. 2d 515 (2001)
…cree for enforcement. The decree ordered Mr. Beasley to pay child support of $402.00 per month. Also, the Department sought to make executory the $42,210.00 in child support arrearages. The trial court modified the Georgia decree changing the support obligation from $402.00 to $192.00 per month and making $39,534.00 in arrearages executory. The Department appeals, contending th…
Courts and practitioners still cite this opinion when litigating louisiana child support issues. Open the full text on LawDiver to read the holding in context.
STATE of Louisiana, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Demarcus D. DOUGLAS
…appeals a trial court judgment denying his motion to reduce child support and ordering him to pay child support in the amount of $1,000 per month, retroactive to May 13, 2008. For the following reasons, we affirm. FACTS Alphonso B. Williams and Tracy Douglas are the biological parents of Demarcus D. Douglas, who was born February 15, 1993. Williams and Douglas have never been m…
Courts and practitioners still cite this opinion when litigating louisiana child support issues. Open the full text on LawDiver to read the holding in context.
STATE of Louisiana Thru The DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Kenja SEALS
…e appeals a judgment granting the father a reduction in his child support obligation. We affirm as amended and remand. Pursuant to La. R.S. 46:231 et seq., the State of Louisiana through the Department of Social Services brought a paternity and child support action against Paul Seals (“Seals”) on behalf of the minor, Kenja Seals. At the trial of the matter, Seals stipulated1 to…
Courts and practitioners still cite this opinion when litigating louisiana child support issues. Open the full text on LawDiver to read the holding in context.
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES (DCFS) Support Enf. Serv o/b/o Craig Benoit Alexander, Adrienne Christel
…/appellee, pursuant to La. R.S. 46:236.1.1 et seq,, seeking child support from defendant/appellant, Craig Anthony Aexander, for the benefit of his minor son, Craig Benoit Aexander. Mr, Aexander appeals the trial court’s April 28, 2016 judgment that granted the State’s rule to modify child support. For the reasons that follow, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and amend in par…
Courts and practitioners still cite this opinion when litigating louisiana child support issues. Open the full text on LawDiver to read the holding in context.
Practical checklist for Louisiana child support matters
- Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of health insurance / child-care costs.
- Complete the current Louisiana worksheet or financial affidavit required by the local court.
- Document parenting-time overnights if a shared-custody adjustment may apply.
- Flag facts that could support deviation (special needs, travel costs, high income, other children).
- Search LawDiver for recent Louisiana appellate decisions before mediation or trial.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses the income shares under La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20. Courts start with gross income, apply the guideline schedule or percentage, allocate add-ons, and may deviate with findings when the presumptive amount is unjust.
What income counts for Louisiana child support?
Guideline income generally tracks gross income as defined by La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20 and the worksheets. Wages, self-employment income, bonuses, and certain benefits are commonly included; exact deductions and exclusions are statute-specific.
Can Louisiana courts order more or less than the guideline amount?
Yes. Guideline support is presumptive. Judges may deviate when the record shows the guideline result is unjust or inappropriate, typically with written findings explaining the departure.
How do I modify a Louisiana child support order?
Material change in circumstances; a significant percentage difference from guidelines often accompanies Rule to Modify filings. File in the court with continuing jurisdiction (or follow UIFSA for interstate cases) and support the request with current financial evidence.
When does child support end in Louisiana?
Support generally continues until 18, or 19 if still in high school; major age and emancipation rules of the Civil Code also matter. Confirm any disability, educational, or agreed extensions in your particular order.
Where can I research Louisiana child support case law?
Use LawDiver CaseDiver search scoped to Louisiana, or open the opinions linked in this guide. Companion reading: Louisiana spousal support guide.
Disclaimer
This guide is general legal information about Louisiana child support, not legal advice. Statutes, guidelines, and case law change. Confirm the current text of La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20 and consult a licensed Louisiana family-law attorney about your facts.