Louisiana Child Support Calculator (2026)
In Louisiana, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.
Calculate Your Louisiana Child Support
Free estimate — official Louisiana guidelines
Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income
How Much Is Child Support in Louisiana?
If you make $60,000 a year in Louisiana, child support for 1 child is estimated at $756 per month ($9,072 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).
$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $701/month for 1 child.
Louisiana Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $610/mo | $932/mo | $1,131/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $689/mo | $1,050/mo | $1,271/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $756/mo | $1,153/mo | $1,396/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $811/mo | $1,226/mo | $1,472/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $895/mo | $1,349/mo | $1,614/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $1,022/mo | $1,537/mo | $1,837/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $1,150/mo | $1,711/mo | $2,020/mo |
Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in Louisiana
Factors That Affect Child Support in Louisiana
Technical details and legal basis
Louisiana uses the Income Shares model (Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.
Important Notes for Louisiana
- • Louisiana uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
- • Adjusted gross income is calculated by subtracting pre-existing child support orders, spousal support paid, and certain mandatory deductions from gross income.
- • Louisiana includes provisions for shared custody (each parent has physical custody for at least 73 days per year) and split custody (each parent has primary custody of at least one child).
- • The court considers net child care costs (actual costs minus federal and state tax credits) and health insurance premiums for the children in the calculation.
Example Calculation
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.
Step 1: Combined income: $8,000
Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%
Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.
Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).
Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.
Key Facts: Child Support in Louisiana
- Louisiana uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income.
- The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from $43/month at $1,050 combined income to $3,147/month at $40,000 combined monthly income (Act 86, La. R.S. 9:315.19).
- Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
- Louisiana provides a shared custody adjustment when each parent has physical custody for at least 73 days per year, multiplying the basic obligation by 1.5 and accounting for each parent's time.
- Net child care costs (after tax credits) and health insurance premiums for the children are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally.
Louisiana Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Louisiana?
How does shared custody affect child support in Louisiana?
What income is used for Louisiana child support?
Can Louisiana child support be modified?
How long does child support last in Louisiana?
About This Calculator
Uses the official Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315) (2025 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-31.
Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Louisiana courts. Full disclaimer.
Methodology: Income Shares model per Louisiana Child Support Guidelines (La. R.S. 9:315).