Child Support in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Family Law
Louisiana uses income shares; support ends at age 18 unless child attends college full-time, then until age 23.
How Louisiana treats Child Support
Louisiana applies the income shares model to determine child support obligations from both parents' incomes. Support terminates when the child turns 18, but if the child is enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution, support continues until age 23 or graduation, whichever occurs first. Louisiana allows modification based on material and substantial changes in circumstances. The state enforces support through wage garnishment, tax intercept, and license suspension.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.