Louisiana uses the Income shares and measures income as gross income. 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. That is what separates Louisiana how child support is calculated from a generic national summary. Read La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20 before the background sections below. Support generally ends when Support generally continues until 18, or 19 if still in high school; major age and emancipation rules of the Civil Code also matter. Modification: Material change in circumstances; a significant percentage difference from guidelines often accompanies Rule to Modify filings.
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.
A concrete Louisiana scenario
Here is one way the Louisiana pieces fit together. Change any fact and the statute may point somewhere else.
Two parents in Louisiana need a presumptive child-support figure and may have facts that justify a departure.
- Measure guideline income as gross income under La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20.
- Apply 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.
- Test deviation: Deviation requires written reasons and may reflect extraordinary medical expenses, other dependents, or inequitable guideline results.
- If circumstances later change: Material change in circumstances; a significant percentage difference from guidelines often accompanies Rule to Modify filings.
The enforceable number is the Louisiana guideline result under La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:315–9:315.20, plus any deviation findings. Department of Children and Family Services enforces support with withholding, intercepts, and contempt.
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.
Stogner v. Stogner
Stogner v. Stogner, 739 So. 2d 762 (1999)
…el for Respondent. KNOLL, Justice.[*] This modification for child support matter concerns a stipulated (consent) judgment and the applicable standard required for a change of circumstances in requesting a modification. The adequacy of the stipulated child support judgment raises the issues to what extent, if any, are the guidelines applicable and the function of the trial judge…
Stogner v. Stogner is worth reading on Louisiana child support because the court put the point in its own words: "Respondent. KNOLL, Justice.[*] This modification for child support matter concerns a stipulated (consent) judgment and the applicable standard required for a change of circumstances in requesting a modification." Use that passage as the starting point, then read the facts that precede it.
Guillot v. Munn
Guillot v. Munn, 756 So. 2d 290 (2000)
…ted certiorari in this case to consider whether Louisiana's child support guidelines automatically allow for a deviation from their formulaic determination of the support obligation based solely on the amount of time a nondomiciliary parent spends with a child. We find that such an automatic deviation is not allowed. Rather, the party urging a reduction in the child support obl…
On child support, Guillot v. Munn speaks to the Louisiana dispute in this passage: "Louisiana's child support guidelines automatically allow for a deviation from their formulaic determination of the support obligation based solely on the amount of time a nondomiciliary parent spends with a child. We find that such an automatic deviation is not allowed." The surrounding opinion shows how the court applied that language to the record.
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…
Louisiana opinions such as STATE of Louisiana Thru The DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Kenja SEALS are cited where child support is disputed. The court stated: "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." That is the language to brief; the rest of the decision supplies the procedural posture.
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…
Practitioners open STATE of Louisiana, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Demarcus D. DOUGLAS when Louisiana child support turns on the distinction in this sentence: "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." Do not lift it out of the facts the court was deciding.
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…
Practitioners open DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES (DCFS) Support Enf. Serv o/b/o Craig Benoit Alexander, Adrienne Christel when Louisiana child support turns on the distinction in this sentence: "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." Do not lift it out of the facts the court was deciding.
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…
On child support, SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SERVICES v. Beasley speaks to the Louisiana dispute in this passage: "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." The surrounding opinion shows how the court applied that language to the record.
STATE of Louisiana Through the DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Brandon
…partment of Social Services’ petition to register a foreign child support judgment. Lacking any evidence or proof sufficient to support an allowable defense we find that the trial court was correct in confirming the registration of the State of Ohio’s child support judgment. Therefore, *1017we affirm this judgment pursuant to La. Ch.C. art 1301.1 cited as the Uniform Interstate…
Practitioners open STATE of Louisiana Through the DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Brandon when Louisiana child support turns on the distinction in this sentence: "Social Services’ petition to register a foreign child support judgment. Lacking any evidence or proof sufficient to support an allowable defense we find that the trial court was correct in confirming the registration of the State of Ohio’s child support judgment." Do not lift it out of the facts the court was deciding.
STATE of Louisiana Through the DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Justin
…t, Michael Evans, in contempt of court, making his past due child support obligation exec-utory, but failing to sentence him to a term of imprisonment. Following recent rulings of this court, we reverse and remand. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY On April 4, 1994, the State filed a Petition to Establish Paternity and Support Obligations pursuant to La.R.S. 46:236 et seq. against t…
STATE of Louisiana Through the DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, OFFICE OF FAMILY SUPPORT in the Interest of Justin is worth reading on Louisiana child support because the court put the point in its own words: "Michael Evans, in contempt of court, making his past due child support obligation exec-utory, but failing to sentence him to a term of imprisonment. Following recent rulings of this court, we reverse and remand." Use that passage as the starting point, then read the facts that precede it.
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.
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.
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 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.