Louisiana Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Louisiana using our free calculator based on the official Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Louisiana Child Support Calculator

Based on Louisiana's 2024 Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Louisiana

  • Louisiana uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $175/month at $1,000 combined income to $2,008/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • Louisiana provides a shared custody adjustment when each parent has physical custody for at least 73 days per year, multiplying the basic obligation by 1.5 and accounting for each parent's time.
  • Net child care costs (after tax credits) and health insurance premiums for the children are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally.

Source: Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Louisiana?

If you make $60,000 a year in Louisiana, child support for 1 child is estimated at $591 per month ($7,092 per year) based on the Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Louisiana, child support for 1 child is approximately $536/month.

Louisiana Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $446/mo $647/mo $748/mo
$50,000/yr $522/mo $759/mo $878/mo
$60,000/yr $591/mo $860/mo $996/mo
$70,000/yr $654/mo $953/mo $1,104/mo
$80,000/yr $713/mo $1,038/mo $1,203/mo
$100,000/yr $817/mo $1,192/mo $1,382/mo
$120,000/yr $910/mo $1,328/mo $1,541/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Louisiana

Louisiana uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Louisiana

Both parents' adjusted gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Custody arrangement (sole, shared, or split)
Health insurance premiums for the children
Net child care costs after tax credits
Extraordinary medical expenses
Pre-existing child support obligations
Extraordinary community debt from the marriage

Important Notes for Louisiana

  • Louisiana uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Adjusted gross income is calculated by subtracting pre-existing child support orders, spousal support paid, and certain mandatory deductions from gross income.
  • Louisiana includes provisions for shared custody (each parent has physical custody for at least 73 days per year) and split custody (each parent has primary custody of at least one child).
  • The court considers net child care costs (actual costs minus federal and state tax credits) and health insurance premiums for the children in the calculation.

Example Child Support Calculation in Louisiana

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Child Support

How is child support calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state schedule established in La. R.S. 9:315.19. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. The calculation includes adjustments for health insurance, net child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses.
How does shared custody affect child support in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, shared custody exists when each parent has physical custody for at least 73 days per year (approximately 20% of the time). Under shared custody, the basic obligation is multiplied by 1.5, and each parent's share is calculated based on their income percentage and the time the child spends with each parent. This generally results in a lower support payment than sole custody arrangements.
What income is used for Louisiana child support?
Louisiana uses adjusted gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, military pay, workers' compensation, Social Security, pensions, rental income, and investment income. The court may also impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent.
Can Louisiana child support be modified?
Yes, Louisiana child support can be modified when there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant income change, change in custody arrangements, or change in the child's needs. Additionally, either parent can request a review every three years. The existing order must differ by at least 25% from the recalculated amount to warrant a modification.
How long does child support last in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, child support generally continues until the child reaches age 18. If the child is still in high school at age 18, support continues until age 19 or graduation, whichever occurs first. Support may continue for a child who is unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical disability that existed before age 18.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Louisiana. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Louisiana courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Louisiana family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315). Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

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