Reviewed August 2026
Child Support in Louisiana
Louisiana calculates child support under the income shares model, set out in La. R.S. 9:315. The guideline combines both parents' gross incomes into a schedule of support obligations. It then divides the resulting amount between them, based on each parent's share of the combined income. Louisiana district courts hear child support cases as part of a divorce or a standalone support action. The Department of Children and Family Services' Child Support Enforcement program is the state's IV-D agency. It helps parents apply for services. It also estimates support and enforces existing orders.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how child support works under Louisiana law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Louisiana paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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The income shares guidelines
Louisiana's guidelines under La. R.S. 9:315 combine both parents' gross monthly income into a combined figure. That figure is applied to a published schedule to find the total basic child support obligation for the number of children involved. Each parent's share of the obligation is calculated based on their proportional share of the combined income. The guidelines also account for the cost of health insurance and work-related child care when setting the final amount.
Applying for services
The Department of Children and Family Services runs the Child Support Enforcement program. A parent can apply online, log into an existing LA CAFE account, or submit a paper application by mail. Families already receiving FITAP, the Kinship Care Support Program, or Medicaid are automatically enrolled. Any parent or caregiver responsible for a child can apply directly for help establishing, collecting, or enforcing a support order.
Who hears a Louisiana child support case
Louisiana district courts decide child support matters. A case may arise as part of a divorce or as a standalone child support action. The court applies the La. R.S. 9:315 income shares guidelines to the parents' documented income. DCFS can request that the court establish or enforce an order on a parent's behalf.
Modifying an existing order
A Louisiana child support order can be modified when a parent shows a material change in circumstances since the order was entered. This might include a significant change in either parent's income or in the needs of the child. DCFS also periodically reviews cases it manages, to check whether the current order still matches the guidelines. A parent can request that review, or file directly with the district court.
Enforcement tools
DCFS Child Support Enforcement can pursue income withholding directly from a paying parent's wages. It can also intercept state and federal tax refunds against parents who fall behind. The department publishes a Louisiana Child Support Estimator to help parents understand a likely support range before filing. A parent who does not comply with a district court order can be held in contempt of court. Additional collection tools are available for cases with significant arrears.
Sources: Louisiana DCFS, Child Support Enforcement, Louisiana Child Support Estimator
Not independently confirmed
- Direct verified link to the current text of La. R.S. 9:315 on the Louisiana Legislature's site (document ID lookups did not resolve to the correct section during verification)
- Exact numeric modification threshold used in DCFS periodic case reviews
Child Support in Louisiana: frequently asked questions
Does Louisiana use the income shares model for child support?+
Yes. La. R.S. 9:315 combines both parents' gross monthly income into a combined figure and applies it to a published schedule to find the basic child support obligation. That amount is then divided between the parents based on their proportional share of the combined income.
How do I apply for child support services in Louisiana?+
You apply through the Department of Children and Family Services' Child Support Enforcement program. You can apply online, through your LA CAFE account, or by mailing a paper application. Families receiving FITAP, the Kinship Care Support Program, or Medicaid are enrolled automatically.
What court hears child support cases in Louisiana?+
Louisiana district courts decide child support matters. A case may arise as part of a divorce or as a standalone support action. The court applies the La. R.S. 9:315 income shares guidelines to the parents' documented income.
When can I modify my Louisiana child support order?+
Generally when you can show a material change in circumstances since the order was entered, such as a significant income change. DCFS also periodically reviews cases it manages, and you can request that review as an alternative to filing directly with the district court.
What happens if a parent stops paying child support in Louisiana?+
DCFS can pursue income withholding and intercept state and federal tax refunds against a parent who falls behind. A parent who does not comply with a district court order can also be held in contempt of court.
Is there an official Louisiana child support calculator?+
Yes. DCFS publishes the Louisiana Child Support Estimator, built around the La. R.S. 9:315 guidelines. It helps parents understand a likely support range before filing or requesting a modification.
This page is general information about child support in Louisiana, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Louisiana's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Louisiana. Virdix does not prepare or file Louisiana divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Louisiana.
More Louisiana divorce guides
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