When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues that must be resolved is child support. In Louisiana, both parents have a legal duty to support their children financially. To ensure fairness and consistency, Louisiana courts use specific guidelines to calculate child support amounts. If you are facing a child support case, it’s important to understand how these work.

Child support in Louisiana is determined primarily by the Louisiana Child Support Guidelines, found in La. R.S. 9:315 et seq. These guidelines provide a formula designed to ensure children receive adequate financial support, regardless of whether their parents are married, separated, or divorced.

The court looks at the gross income of both parents. Certain deductions (such as taxes and mandatory retirement contributions) may be considered, but the starting point is gross—not net—income.

The parents’ incomes are combined to determine the total amount of support the child is entitled to under the state’s schedule of basic child support obligations.

For example:

• If Parent A earns 70% of the combined income and Parent B earns 30%, Parent A is responsible for 70% of the child support obligation and Parent B for 30%.

The guidelines adjust depending on how many children need support. Supporting one child requires a smaller total obligation than supporting three or more children.

The court may also factor in certain necessary child-related expenses, such as:

• Health insurance premiums for the child
• Extraordinary medical expenses
• Childcare costs necessary for a parent to work or attend school
• Private school tuition, if deemed appropriate



These expenses are typically added to the basic support amount and divided proportionally between the parents.

Although Louisiana uses set guidelines, calculating child support is not always straightforward. Disputes often arise over what counts as income, whether certain expenses should be included, or how shared custody affects support. Having an experienced family law attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that your child receives fair and adequate support.

In Louisiana, child support is calculated using a structured formula based on parents’ incomes, the number of children, and child-related expenses. While the guidelines create consistency, every case is unique, and the details matter.

If you have any questions regarding divorce, custody, support, or need assistance with any other family law matters, please contact Johnston Burkhardt at (504)324-2141 or Johnston@snw.law.