Reviewed August 2026
Spousal Support in Louisiana
Louisiana follows its own civil law system. Spousal support comes from the Louisiana Civil Code, not a standalone statute like in most other states. A district court decides support as part of a divorce case. Louisiana law splits support into two distinct types: interim spousal support during the proceedings, and final periodic support after the divorce is granted. Interim spousal support falls under Civil Code article 111. It helps a spouse keep up their pre-divorce standard of living while the case is pending. Support usually continues for a limited time after the divorce judgment. It stops unless a request for final support is still pending. Final periodic support falls under Civil Code articles 112 through 115. The requesting spouse must show need and freedom from legal fault in the marriage's breakdown. A spouse whose own misconduct caused the divorce is generally barred from receiving final periodic support. Fault plays a bigger role in Louisiana support cases than in many other states.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how spousal 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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Interim spousal support
Interim support bridges the gap between separation and the final resolution of the case. It helps the requesting spouse maintain the lifestyle they had during the marriage. This support is generally available regardless of fault. It rests mainly on need and the paying spouse's ability to pay. Interim support typically continues for a period after the divorce is granted, often around 180 days. It stops unless a claim for final periodic support has been filed before that period runs out.
Final periodic support and the fault bar
To receive final periodic support after the divorce, a spouse must show need. They must also show they did not commit legal fault, such as adultery or cruel treatment, that led to the marriage's breakdown. This fault requirement sets Louisiana apart from most other states, which generally award alimony regardless of marital misconduct. A spouse found at legal fault in the divorce is typically barred from receiving final periodic support altogether.
The one-third income cap
Louisiana law generally caps final periodic support at no more than one-third of the paying spouse's net income. Most other states don't impose that kind of hard statutory ceiling. Within that cap, the court weighs factors such as the requesting spouse's needs and both parties' financial resources. It also considers each spouse's earning capacity to set the actual amount.
Modification and termination
Final periodic support can be modified if either spouse shows a change in circumstances. It generally ends when the recipient remarries or when either party dies. It also ends if the recipient begins living in open concubinage, a cohabitation-related standard recognized under Louisiana law. Interim support ends on its own terms once the transition period after divorce concludes.
Sources: Louisiana State Legislature - Law Search (Civil Code and Revised Statutes), IRS Tax Topic 452, Alimony and Separate Maintenance
Not independently confirmed
- The Louisiana State Legislature's law site does not offer a stable direct link to individual Civil Code articles 111 through 115 for automated verification; confirm the exact current text of these articles by searching the Civil Code at the linked portal or with the district court.
- A verified Louisiana court self-help resource with a stable HTTP 200 link was not confirmed; confirm current self-help resources with the district court handling the case.
- The approximately 180-day figure for how long interim support runs after the divorce judgment was described generally based on the statutory framework; confirm the current exact period in Civil Code article 113.
Spousal Support in Louisiana: frequently asked questions
What is alimony called in Louisiana?+
Louisiana law uses the term spousal support. It comes from the Louisiana Civil Code, not a standalone statute. The law distinguishes between interim spousal support, awarded while a divorce case is pending, and final periodic support, awarded after the divorce.
Does fault matter for spousal support in Louisiana?+
Yes, significantly, for final periodic support. A spouse must show they are free from legal fault, such as adultery, in the breakup of the marriage to receive it. Interim support during the case is generally available regardless of fault.
Is there a cap on spousal support in Louisiana?+
Yes. Final periodic support is generally capped at no more than one-third of the paying spouse's net income. Most other states don't impose that kind of statutory limit.
What is the difference between interim and final support in Louisiana?+
Interim support helps a spouse maintain their standard of living while the divorce case is pending. It generally continues for a limited period after the divorce. Final periodic support is awarded after the divorce. It requires a showing of need and freedom from legal fault, and is capped at one-third of the payor's net income.
Does remarriage or cohabitation end spousal support in Louisiana?+
Yes. Final periodic support generally ends when the recipient remarries. It also ends if the recipient begins living in open concubinage, a cohabitation standard recognized under Louisiana law, or upon the death of either party.
Is spousal support taxable in Louisiana?+
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, federal law no longer allows the paying spouse to deduct spousal support. The recipient also does not have to treat it as taxable income, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Agreements executed before 2019 generally keep the older tax treatment unless later modified.
This page is general information about spousal 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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