Louisiana uses the Income Shares model — both parents’ gross incomes are combined. Updated for 2026 — covers 50/50 custody, arrears, modifications and Louisiana child support laws.
BothParents Income
NoneIncome Cap
18Age Support Ends
12%Arrears Interest
🎷 Louisiana Income Shares Model
Louisiana Child Support Calculator 2026
Louisiana uses the Income Shares model — both parents’ gross incomes are combined.
ℹLouisiana uses gross income — Gross = total income before any deductions.
$
$0$20k
$
$0$20k
$
$
Estimated Monthly Child Support
$0
per month
Annual Total
$0
Combined Income
—
Until Age
18
* Estimate using official Louisiana income shares formula. Courts may deviate based on special circumstances. Consult a Louisiana family law attorney for your specific situation.
🎷 How Louisiana Calculates Child Support
ModelIncome Shares — both parents’ combined gross income
Income CapNo set cap — courts use discretion
Minimum Order$100/month minimum regardless of income
Arrears Interest12% annual interest on unpaid arrears
Louisiana Key RuleLouisiana uses combined adjusted gross income — certain deductions are allowed
Additional InfoLouisiana applies high 12% interest on child support arrears
⚖ 50/50 Custody in Louisiana
Does Child Support Apply With 50/50 Custody in Louisiana?
In most cases, yes. Louisiana does not automatically eliminate child support with equal parenting time.
✓General rule: With 50/50 custody, the higher-earning parent typically pays the lower-earning parent. The amount is reduced vs sole custody but rarely reaches $0.
$
$0$15k
$
$0$15k
Estimated Monthly Payment
$0
per month
Without Custody Adj.
$0
Custody Reduction
$0
Net Payment
$0
* 50/50 custody calculations are complex. This is an approximation. Consult a Louisiana family law attorney for exact figures.
📋 Louisiana Arrears Calculator
Louisiana Child Support Arrears Calculator
Calculate total back child support including 12% annual interest Louisiana applies to unpaid arrears.
⚠Louisiana charges 12% annual interest on all unpaid child support arrears.
$
$
$
Total Arrears Owed (with 12% Interest)
$0
including Louisiana 12% annual interest
Base Arrears
$0
Interest Accrued
$0
Clear in 1 Year
$0
Clear in 2 Years
$0
Clear in 3 Years
$0
Support Ends Age
18
* Louisiana applies 12% annual interest to unpaid child support. There is generally no statute of limitations on child support debt.
🔄 Modification Estimator
Louisiana Child Support Modification
Estimate your new payment and check if you qualify for a modification in Louisiana.
ℹModification rule: Most states allow modification when the new amount differs by 15-20% or $100/month, OR when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances (job loss, new child, custody change).
$
36+ months = eligible for routine review
$
Estimated New Monthly Payment
$0
per month
Current Order
$0
New Calculated
$0
Difference
$0
% Change
0%
Likely Qualifies?
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Time Since Order
—
* Qualification estimate only. Consult a Louisiana family law attorney before filing.
📜 Updated 2026
Louisiana Child Support Laws 2026
Key rules, age cutoffs and what you need to know in Louisiana.
FORMULA How Louisiana Calculates Child Support
Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 9:315 governs child support. Louisiana’s Income Shares model uses combined adjusted gross income.
AGE When Does Child Support End in Louisiana?
Child support in Louisiana ends when the child turns 18 — Support ends at 18 or high school graduation (19 max). Support also ends upon the child’s death, marriage or emancipation. Important: In most cases support does not stop automatically — you need a court order. Stopping payments without a court order creates arrears even after the child reaches the cutoff age.
INTEREST Arrears Interest in Louisiana
Louisiana charges 12% annual interest on unpaid child support arrears. Louisiana’s rate of 12% is among the higher rates in the country. There is generally no statute of limitations on child support debt.
ENFORCEMENT Louisiana Child Support Enforcement
Louisiana has broad enforcement powers including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension, passport denial, and credit bureau reporting. Criminal charges may apply for significant or long-term non-payment.
MODIFY Modifying Child Support in Louisiana
Child support can be modified in Louisiana when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances — typically a significant income change, job loss, new children from another relationship, or change in custody. Most states also allow a periodic review every 3 years. File a petition with the court — private agreements to change support are not legally enforceable.
📅 Louisiana Payment Calendar
Child Support Payment Calendar 2026
Generate your personal payment schedule and track payments month by month.
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Monthly Total
$0
Annual Total
$0
Next Payment
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Days Until Due
—
Payments Remaining
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Marked Paid
$0
* Click Mark as Paid to track payments. Always keep payment receipts.
Need a Louisiana Family Law Attorney?
This calculator provides estimates. For filing, modifying or enforcing a child support order, connect with a local family law attorney.