How child support is calculated in Louisiana

What decides the amount, where to get the real number, and the extra rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Louisiana uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The total and the number of children give a basic amount from the state schedule, and each parent owes a share in proportion to their income.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Louisiana child support calculator

Get the number from Louisiana's official tool

Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The total and the number of children give a basic amount from the state schedule, and each parent owes a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance for the child, child care and some other costs are added on top.

Law: La. R.S. 9:315 to 9:315.20; schedule in La. R.S. 9:315.19 (as replaced by Acts 2024, No. 86, eff. Jan. 1, 2025)

We don't estimate Louisiana's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official Louisiana child support calculator

How Louisiana's formula works

Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The total and the number of children give a basic amount from the state schedule, and each parent owes a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance for the child, child care and some other costs are added on top.

Law: La. R.S. 9:315 to 9:315.20; schedule in La. R.S. 9:315.19 (as replaced by Acts 2024, No. 86, eff. Jan. 1, 2025)

Medical support in Louisiana

The court may order either parent to enroll the child in health insurance, considering each parent's plan, job and income. The cost of the child's premium is added to the basic support amount. In DCFS cases, the order must provide medical support.

Law: La. R.S. 9:315.4

What the model means

The income-shares model looks up an amount for the parents' combined income, then splits it by each parent's share of that income. Parenting time and costs can change it.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

The low-income rule in Louisiana

The schedule starts at a combined adjusted income of $1,050 a month. Below that, the court sets support based on actual income, earning ability and other evidence of the parent's ability to pay.

Law: La. R.S. 9:315.13(A)

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in Louisiana

  1. Collect proof of income

    The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.

  2. Run the official numbers

    The official number comes from Official Louisiana child support calculator.

  3. Add the extra costs

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Open a case

    To get an order, contact Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Child Support Enforcement (1-877-752-3237) · Apply online

Free help in Louisiana

Questions about the Louisiana guidelines

What formula does Louisiana use for child support?

Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are added together. The total and the number of children give a basic amount from the state schedule, and each parent owes a share in proportion to their income. Health insurance for the child, child care and some other costs are added on top.

Is there an official child support calculator for Louisiana?

Yes: Official Louisiana child support calculator.

How does Louisiana treat low incomes?

The schedule starts at a combined adjusted income of $1,050 a month. Below that, the court sets support based on actual income, earning ability and other evidence of the parent's ability to pay.

How are medical costs shared in Louisiana?

The court may order either parent to enroll the child in health insurance, considering each parent's plan, job and income. The cost of the child's premium is added to the basic support amount. In DCFS cases, the order must provide medical support.

Related Louisiana pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources