Louisiana calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under La. R.S. 9:315, which bases each parent's obligation on their proportional share of combined adjusted gross income. The Louisiana child support calculator uses official Worksheet A for sole or joint custody arrangements and Worksheet B for shared custody (approximately equal parenting time). For combined monthly incomes up to $40,000, Louisiana courts consult the statutory schedule in La. R.S. 9:315.19 to determine the base obligation, then add costs for health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares Model (La. R.S. 9:315) |
| Worksheets | Worksheet A (sole/joint custody), Worksheet B (shared custody) |
| Income Cap for Schedule | $40,000 combined monthly adjusted gross income |
| Filing Fee Range | $200 to $600 by parish (as of March 2026) |
| Waiting Period (No Children) | 180 days of continuous separation |
| Waiting Period (With Children) | 365 days of continuous separation |
| Residency Requirement | Domiciled in Louisiana (6 months establishes domicile) |
| Support Termination Age | 18 (or 19 if still in secondary school full-time) |
| Modification Threshold | 25% difference from current guidelines amount |
| Schedule Last Updated | January 1, 2021 |
What Is the Louisiana Child Support Calculator?
The Louisiana child support calculator is a digital tool that estimates monthly child support obligations based on the Income Shares Model codified in La. R.S. 9:315 through 9:315.22. Louisiana courts require both parents to contribute to child support proportionally to their respective incomes, ensuring children share in the standard of living of both households. The calculator applies the same formulas and statutory schedule that Louisiana family court judges use when setting child support awards.
Louisiana's Income Shares Model operates on the principle that children are entitled to share in the current income of both parents, as stated in La. R.S. 9:315. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) publishes an online child support worksheet at dcfs.louisiana.gov that automates the Worksheet A and Worksheet B calculations. Private child support calculator tools for Louisiana mirror this same statutory formula but may offer additional features such as scenario comparisons and printable reports.
The calculator is not a substitute for a court order. Louisiana family courts retain discretion to deviate from guideline amounts when circumstances warrant under La. R.S. 9:315.1. However, the guideline calculation creates a rebuttable presumption of the correct support amount, meaning judges must provide written reasons for any deviation from the calculated figure.
How Does the Louisiana Income Shares Model Work?
Louisiana's Income Shares Model under La. R.S. 9:315.2 determines child support by combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes, locating the corresponding obligation on the statutory schedule, and then splitting that obligation proportionally based on each parent's percentage of the combined income. The model applies to cases with combined adjusted monthly gross income of $40,000 or less.
The calculation follows a specific sequence defined in La. R.S. 9:315.8. Each parent's monthly gross income is determined first. Allowable deductions are subtracted, including preexisting child support obligations and preexisting spousal support payments. The resulting figure is each parent's adjusted gross income. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined, and the court consults the schedule in La. R.S. 9:315.19 to find the basic child support obligation for the applicable number of children.
Each parent's share is calculated by dividing their individual adjusted gross income by the combined adjusted gross income. For example, if Parent A earns $4,000 per month and Parent B earns $6,000 per month, the combined income is $10,000. Parent A's share is 40% and Parent B's share is 60%. If the schedule shows a basic obligation of $1,467 for two children at $10,000 combined monthly income, Parent A owes $587 (40%) and Parent B owes $880 (60%).
For combined monthly incomes exceeding $40,000, Louisiana courts determine child support on a case-by-case basis rather than applying the statutory schedule, as specified in La. R.S. 9:315.10.
What Income Counts in the Louisiana Child Support Calculation?
Gross income for Louisiana child support purposes includes all earned and unearned income from any source, as defined in La. R.S. 9:315(C)(3). Louisiana courts count wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, dividends, interest, rental income, trust income, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, and spousal support received from a different proceeding.
Self-employment income in Louisiana equals gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses under La. R.S. 9:315(C)(3). A self-employed landscaping business owner in Louisiana would subtract fuel, wages, insurance, and equipment costs from total revenue. Louisiana courts may also impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent based on earning capacity, work history, and education level under La. R.S. 9:315.11.
Permissible deductions from gross income before applying the child support schedule include preexisting child support obligations being paid for other children and preexisting spousal support obligations. These deductions are subtracted on Line 1a and Line 1b of the Louisiana child support worksheet, resulting in the adjusted gross income on Line 2.
| Income Type | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wages and salary | Yes | Before taxes |
| Bonuses and commissions | Yes | Averaged over 12 months |
| Self-employment income | Yes | Gross receipts minus business expenses |
| Rental income | Yes | Net after expenses |
| Social Security benefits | Yes | Including disability |
| Workers' compensation | Yes | Full benefit amount |
| Unemployment benefits | Yes | Full benefit amount |
| Spousal support received | Yes | From other proceedings |
| Public assistance (TANF) | No | Excluded from gross income |
| Child support received | No | From other cases |
| Imputed income | Possible | If voluntarily unemployed/underemployed |
How Do You Use Worksheet A for Sole or Joint Custody?
Worksheet A under La. R.S. 9:315.20 is the standard Louisiana child support worksheet used when one parent has sole custody or the parents have joint custody with a designated domiciliary parent. Worksheet A calculates the non-domiciliary parent's monthly child support payment in 13 sequential line items that mirror the statutory formula.
The Worksheet A calculation proceeds as follows. Line 1 records each parent's monthly gross income. Lines 1a and 1b subtract preexisting child support and spousal support obligations. Line 2 shows each parent's adjusted gross income, and Line 3 shows the combined adjusted gross income. Line 4 calculates each parent's percentage share of the combined income. Line 5 identifies the basic child support obligation from the La. R.S. 9:315.19 schedule based on combined income and number of children.
Lines 6 through 9 add supplemental expenses. Line 6 adds net childcare costs (work or school-related childcare minus any tax credits). Line 7 adds the child's health insurance premium cost. Line 8 adds extraordinary medical expenses (uninsured medical, dental, or orthodontic costs exceeding $250 per child per year). Line 9 adds other extraordinary expenses such as travel costs for visitation or special educational needs.
Line 10 totals the child support obligation (Line 5 plus Lines 6 through 9). Line 11 applies each parent's percentage share from Line 4 to the total obligation. Line 12 subtracts any direct payments each parent makes (insurance premiums, childcare). Line 13 shows the recommended child support award for the non-domiciliary parent.
The Louisiana DCFS provides a free online Worksheet A calculator at dcfs.louisiana.gov that automates these 13 line items.
How Does Worksheet B Work for Shared Custody in Louisiana?
Worksheet B under La. R.S. 9:315.9 applies when parents share approximately equal physical custody time in Louisiana, defined as each parent having the child for at least 73 days per year. Worksheet B calculates a different support amount because both households incur direct costs for the child during their respective custody periods, resulting in a lower net transfer payment than Worksheet A.
The shared custody calculation in Louisiana multiplies the basic child support obligation by 1.5 to account for the increased total cost of maintaining two households for the child. Each parent's share of this adjusted obligation is then calculated based on their percentage of combined income. The parent with the higher income obligation pays the difference between the two parents' calculated shares.
For example, if combined monthly income is $8,000 and the basic obligation for one child is $1,038, the shared custody obligation is $1,557 ($1,038 multiplied by 1.5). If Parent A earns 55% and Parent B earns 45%, Parent A's share is $856 and Parent B's share is $701. Parent A pays $155 per month ($856 minus $701) as the net child support transfer.
Louisiana courts require detailed documentation of actual custody time to qualify for Worksheet B treatment. A parenting plan or custody order specifying the schedule is typically required, and courts may review actual overnight counts when disputes arise about whether shared custody thresholds are met.
What Additional Expenses Are Added to the Base Obligation?
Louisiana child support includes mandatory add-on expenses beyond the basic obligation amount from the La. R.S. 9:315.19 schedule. Louisiana courts add net childcare costs, health insurance premiums for the child, extraordinary medical expenses exceeding $250 per child per year, and other extraordinary expenses to the base amount under La. R.S. 9:315.8. These supplemental costs are divided between parents proportionally to their income shares.
Net childcare costs under La. R.S. 9:315.3 include daycare, after-school care, and summer care expenses that are necessary for a parent to work or attend school. Louisiana allows parents to subtract applicable federal and state childcare tax credits from the total childcare cost before adding it to the child support obligation. A parent paying $800 per month for daycare who receives a $150 monthly tax credit benefit would add $650 as the net childcare cost.
Health insurance premiums attributable to the child are added under La. R.S. 9:315.4. Louisiana courts calculate the child's share of a family health plan by subtracting the individual premium from the family premium. If a parent's individual plan costs $200 per month and adding the child increases it to $350 per month, the child's health insurance cost is $150 per month.
Extraordinary medical expenses include orthodontia, therapy, prescription medications, and other healthcare costs not covered by insurance that exceed $250 per child per year under La. R.S. 9:315.5. Louisiana courts may also add travel expenses for long-distance visitation and costs for a child's special educational needs as extraordinary expenses.
When Can Louisiana Child Support Be Modified?
Louisiana allows child support modification when a material change in circumstances has occurred since the original order or last modification, or when the existing order differs by at least 25% from the current guidelines calculation under La. R.S. 9:311. Louisiana parents can also request a review after 3 years have passed since the order was issued or last modified, even without demonstrating a specific change in circumstances.
Material changes in circumstances that justify modification in Louisiana include significant increases or decreases in either parent's income, job loss, disability, changes in custody arrangements, changes in the child's medical needs, and changes in childcare costs. Louisiana courts recalculate child support using the same worksheet and schedule, applying updated income and expense figures.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services provides free child support review services for parents receiving enforcement services. Parents can request a review through their local DCFS Child Support Enforcement office. The review process typically takes 30 to 90 days, and if a modification is warranted, DCFS files a motion with the court on the parent's behalf.
Private modification actions filed through an attorney or self-represented require filing a Rule to Modify Child Support in the parish where the original order was issued. Filing fees for modification motions in Louisiana range from $50 to $200 depending on the parish, as of March 2026.
How Long Does Louisiana Child Support Last?
Louisiana child support terminates automatically when a child reaches 18 years of age under La. R.S. 9:315.22. Louisiana child support continues until age 19 if the child is unmarried, enrolled full-time in a secondary school (high school or equivalent), in good academic standing, and dependent upon either parent. Louisiana does not require child support payments for college-age children beyond the secondary school exception.
Louisiana child support also terminates upon the child's emancipation, which can occur through marriage, judicial emancipation, or other legal means before age 18. An emancipated child in Louisiana is relieved of the disabilities attached to minority, which ends the parent's child support obligation under La. R.S. 9:315.22(A).
Louisiana provides an extended support exception for children with developmental disabilities. Under La. R.S. 9:315.22(C), a court may continue child support for a child with a developmental disability until the child reaches age 22, provided the child remains a full-time student in a secondary school. This provision recognizes that children with qualifying disabilities may require a longer period to complete secondary education.
When a Louisiana child support order covers multiple children, the award for each child terminates independently as each child reaches the applicable age threshold. The paying parent does not need to file a motion to reduce the payment; the per-child amount terminates automatically under La. R.S. 9:315.22(A).
What Does It Cost to File for Child Support in Louisiana?
Filing for child support in Louisiana costs between $200 and $600 depending on the parish, with most parishes charging between $250 and $400 for the initial petition as of March 2026. Orleans Parish charges approximately $332.50 for a divorce petition that includes child support. Jefferson Parish charges between $400 and $600 for divorce filings. Service of process fees add an additional $50 to $100 unless both parties file jointly.
Parents who cannot afford filing fees in Louisiana may request a pauper's affidavit (in forma pauperis) under La. C.C.P. art. 5181 to waive court costs. Louisiana courts grant fee waivers when a parent's income falls below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. For 2026, the federal poverty guideline for a household of two is approximately $20,440, making the 125% threshold approximately $25,550 annually.
Parents receiving child support enforcement services through the Louisiana DCFS pay a $35 annual fee once support collections exceed $550 in a federal fiscal year. DCFS services include locating absent parents, establishing paternity, establishing and modifying support orders, and enforcing collections through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, and license suspension.
| Cost Component | Amount Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial filing fee | $200 to $600 | Varies by parish |
| Service of process | $50 to $100 | Waived for joint filings |
| Modification filing | $50 to $200 | Per motion |
| DCFS enforcement fee | $35/year | When collections exceed $550 |
| Attorney fees (uncontested) | $1,500 to $3,500 | If hiring private counsel |
| Attorney fees (contested) | $5,000 to $15,000+ | Complex income or custody disputes |
| Fee waiver available | Yes | Under La. C.C.P. art. 5181 |
As of March 2026. Verify current fees with your local parish clerk of court.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Louisiana Child Support Calculator
Using the Louisiana child support calculator requires gathering specific financial documents and following the statutory worksheet sequence. Louisiana parents can use the free DCFS online calculator or complete the worksheet manually using the steps below.
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Gather income documentation for both parents: Louisiana courts require W-2 forms, pay stubs covering the most recent 3 months, federal tax returns for the past 2 years, 1099 forms for independent contractor income, business financial statements for self-employed parents, and documentation of all other income sources (rental income, Social Security, unemployment benefits).
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Calculate each parent's monthly gross income (Worksheet Line 1): Add all income sources and convert to a monthly figure. For hourly employees, multiply the hourly rate by average weekly hours, then multiply by 52 and divide by 12. For salaried employees, divide annual salary by 12.
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Subtract preexisting obligations (Lines 1a and 1b): Deduct any court-ordered child support for other children and any court-ordered spousal support being paid in other cases.
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Calculate adjusted gross income (Line 2): Subtract preexisting obligations from monthly gross income for each parent.
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Combine both parents' adjusted gross incomes (Line 3): Add Parent A's adjusted gross income to Parent B's adjusted gross income.
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Determine each parent's income share percentage (Line 4): Divide each parent's adjusted gross income by the combined total. Parent A earning $3,500 with a combined total of $7,000 has a 50% share.
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Look up the basic child support obligation (Line 5): Consult the schedule in La. R.S. 9:315.19 using the combined adjusted gross income and number of children.
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Add supplemental expenses (Lines 6-9): Include net childcare costs, health insurance premiums for the child, extraordinary medical expenses exceeding $250 per child per year, and extraordinary expenses.
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Calculate the total obligation (Line 10): Add the basic obligation and all supplemental expenses.
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Apply each parent's percentage share (Line 11): Multiply the total obligation by each parent's income share percentage.
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Subtract direct payments (Line 12): Credit the parent who directly pays for health insurance or childcare.
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Determine the net child support award (Line 13): The non-custodial parent pays the remaining balance after credits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Child Support
How is child support calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under La. R.S. 9:315. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined, the basic obligation is determined from the statutory schedule in La. R.S. 9:315.19, and each parent pays their proportional share. The schedule covers combined monthly incomes up to $40,000.
What is the difference between Worksheet A and Worksheet B in Louisiana?
Worksheet A applies to sole custody and joint custody with a domiciliary parent. Worksheet B applies to shared custody where each parent has the child at least 73 days per year. Worksheet B multiplies the base obligation by 1.5 and calculates the net difference between parents' shares, typically resulting in a lower transfer payment than Worksheet A under La. R.S. 9:315.9.
Can Louisiana courts deviate from the child support guidelines?
Louisiana courts may deviate from the guideline amount when applying the guidelines would be inequitable or not in the child's best interest under La. R.S. 9:315.1(B). The court must provide specific written or oral reasons for the deviation. Common deviation factors include extraordinary medical needs, a child's independent income, and the obligor's total household financial circumstances.
What happens if a parent is unemployed or underemployed in Louisiana?
Louisiana courts may impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent under La. R.S. 9:315.11. The court considers the parent's education, work history, earning capacity, and job market conditions. Imputed income equals the parent's potential earning capacity, and the child support calculator uses this imputed figure instead of the parent's actual income (which may be zero).
How often is the Louisiana child support schedule updated?
Louisiana updates its child support schedule every 4 years as required by federal law. The most recent schedule update took effect on January 1, 2021. The next scheduled review is due by 2025, and any resulting updates would be codified in La. R.S. 9:315.19. Parents should use the child support calculator with the most current schedule available from the Louisiana DCFS.
Can child support be modified in Louisiana?
Louisiana permits child support modification when a material change in circumstances produces at least a 25% difference between the current order and the recalculated guideline amount under La. R.S. 9:311. Parents may also request review after 3 years without proving a specific change. The DCFS provides free modification services for parents enrolled in enforcement programs.
Does Louisiana child support cover college expenses?
Louisiana does not require parents to pay child support for college-age children. Support terminates at age 18 or at age 19 if the child is still enrolled full-time in secondary school (high school) under La. R.S. 9:315.22. Louisiana courts have no statutory authority to order parents to contribute to college tuition, room, board, or related expenses as part of a child support obligation.
What income is excluded from Louisiana child support calculations?
Louisiana excludes public assistance benefits (TANF, food stamps) and child support received for other children from the gross income calculation under La. R.S. 9:315(C)(3). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is generally excluded because it is a needs-based benefit. All other income sources, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits, are included in gross income.
How is self-employment income calculated for Louisiana child support?
Self-employment income for Louisiana child support equals gross business receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses under La. R.S. 9:315(C)(3). Louisiana courts may add back non-cash deductions like depreciation and may scrutinize claimed expenses for reasonableness. Self-employed parents must provide 2 years of tax returns and current profit-and-loss statements for accurate child support calculator results.
What enforcement tools does Louisiana use for unpaid child support?
Louisiana enforces child support through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, driver's license suspension, professional license suspension, passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500, credit bureau reporting, and contempt of court proceedings that can result in jail time under La. R.S. 9:315.40. The Louisiana DCFS Child Support Enforcement division processes over $500 million in collections annually.