Louisiana Child Custody & Louisiana Child Support

Louisiana courts, like family courts in all states, encourage parents to cooperate in working out an agreement on the details of raising their children after a divorce. If the parents cannot come to an agreement amicably, the court will step in to decide the issues of child custody, visitation rights, and child support. In doing so, the court will keep the best interests of the children in mind. The following are the laws governing Louisiana child custody and support.

Louisiana Child Custody:

Louisiana courts determine all custody issues in terms of the best interests of the children. The court will consider all relevant facts and give the father and mother the same consideration regardless of the child’s sex or age. Either a sole or joint custody decision will be reached. The factors the court will consider include, among others: the children’s age, their health, their wishes, the parental roles, and other needs of the children.

Louisiana Child Support:

Child support in Louisiana is determined in accordance with the Income Shares Model for child support, where each parent’s income is considered in relative proportion. The support amounts calculated from each parent then help decide which parent must pay the other in order to maintain the correct proportion and provide for the needs of the child.

These guidelines are not always followed, but a decision to follow a different standard will require supportive evidence showing 1) all the factors that affect the parties’ financial obligations differently, and 2) how applying a standard other than the Income Shares Model will more effectively preserve the best interests of the child.

The factors that can be considered here are numerous, including, but not limited to:

1. Monetary support provided for other family members
2. Debts arising during the marriage for the child’s benefit
3. Imputed income to a party who is voluntarily unemployed for the child’s benefit
4. Court-ordered payments for health care and education for the child’s benefit
5. Children’s independent financial resources, if any
6. Education, training, and/or career opportunities of the parties and/or ability to pursue those things
7. A written agreement between the parties including the amount of child support, if one exists.

A lawyer can help you sort through your rights and responsibilities when it comes to raising your kids after a divorce, and can also serve as your advocate and/or counsel when negotiating a parenting agreement. You can find a lawyer at:

Louisiana Divorce/Child Support/Child Custody Lawyers:

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Case Studies: Illustrating Louisiana Child Custody and Child Support Laws

Case Study 1: Emily and David – Determining Child Custody

Emily and David, a divorced couple, couldn’t agree on the custody arrangements for their two children. The Louisiana court stepped in to decide based on the best interests of the children.

Factors such as the children’s age, health, wishes, parental roles, and other needs were considered. The court ultimately granted joint custody, ensuring both parents have equal rights and responsibilities.

Case Study 2: Sarah and Michael – Calculating Child Support

Sarah and Michael, separated parents, sought to establish child support for their child. Louisiana follows the Income Shares Model, which considers the income of both parents in relative proportion to determine support amounts.

After evaluating the parents’ incomes, the court ordered Michael to provide financial support to Sarah to maintain the correct proportion and meet the child’s needs.

Case Study 3: Samantha and John – Deviating From the Income Shares Model

Samantha and John, divorced parents, presented evidence to the court suggesting that deviating from the Income Shares Model would better preserve the best interests of their child.

They demonstrated unique financial circumstances, including medical expenses and educational costs. The court, considering these factors, determined a modified child support arrangement to ensure the child’s needs were adequately met.