Louisiana Child Support Calculator

Louisiana uses the income shares model. Louisiana uses the Income Shares Model under La. R.S. 9:315 through 9:315.47. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined and a basic child support obligation is determined from the statutory schedule in La. R.S. 9:315.19. The obligation is divided between parents in proportion to their respective incomes. The combined income cap is $40,000 per month; above this, the court sets support on a case-by-case basis. Two worksheets exist: Worksheet A for sole/joint custody and Worksheet B for shared custody (uses a 1.5x multiplier). Adjustments are made for health insurance, childcare, extraordinary medical expenses, and pre-existing support obligations.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Louisiana generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Louisiana can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Louisiana has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.