Spousal Support in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Family Law
Louisiana restricts spousal support to cases of financial need and fault-based divorce, with strict income limits.
How Louisiana treats Spousal Support
Louisiana law is unique in requiring the receiving spouse to demonstrate financial need and the paying spouse to have the ability to pay. In fault-based divorces, the court may award support to the innocent spouse; in no-fault divorces, support is limited to cases of genuine financial hardship. Louisiana imposes income caps—generally, the receiving spouse cannot earn above a certain threshold to qualify for support. The duration of support is typically limited and tied to the length of the marriage or the receiving spouse's ability to become self-sufficient.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal 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.