Divorce or separation can be hard, especially when children are involved. One of the most confusing and emotional issues parents face is child support—especially when they share custody. In Louisiana, both parents are responsible for supporting their children, but how that support is calculated depends on several factors. If you share custody, you might wonder who pays child support and how much. Understanding how Louisiana law handles shared custody can help you plan for your family’s future and avoid costly surprises.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is money paid by one parent to help cover the costs of raising a child. These costs include basic needs like food, clothing, housing, medical care, and education. In Louisiana, both parents must contribute to their child’s financial well-being, even after separation or divorce. The goal of child support is to make sure the child’s standard of living stays as close as possible to what it was before the parents split up.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Louisiana
Louisiana uses what’s called the “income shares model” to determine child support. This means the court looks at both parents’ incomes and combines them to figure out how much money would normally be spent on the child if the parents were still together. Then, that amount is divided based on each parent’s share of the combined income.
For example, if one parent earns 60% of the total household income and the other earns 40%, the first parent would generally be responsible for 60% of the total child support obligation. However, that doesn’t automatically mean one parent pays the other 60%—the court adjusts the final number based on custody arrangements and other expenses.
What Happens in Shared Custody?
In Louisiana, shared custody usually means both parents spend a roughly equal amount of time with the child—close to 50/50. Because both parents are providing housing, food, and daily care during their time, child support may be lower than in cases where one parent has the child most of the time.
However, shared custody does not automatically mean there will be no child support. If one parent earns much more than the other, the court may still order that parent to pay some child support to help balance the child’s living conditions between the two homes. The goal is to make sure the child has similar comfort and stability in both places.
Factors That Affect the Amount
Several factors influence how much child support is paid in shared custody situations:
- Income of both parents: The more income one parent earns compared to the other, the more likely that parent will pay support.
- Number of children: The total number of children supported affects the payment amount.
- Childcare and medical expenses: Costs such as daycare, health insurance, or medical bills are factored in.
- Time spent with each parent: Even within shared custody, the exact number of overnights each parent has can change the support calculation.
- Other dependents: If either parent supports children from another relationship, that can also affect the payment amount.
How the Court Determines Fairness
The court’s main focus is the child’s best interests. Judges in Louisiana use child support guidelines to calculate the payment amount, but they also have some flexibility. If both parents agree on a fair amount and the court finds it reasonable, the judge can approve that agreement. If not, the judge will decide based on the state’s guidelines.
The court wants to make sure the child has what they need, whether they’re staying with Mom, Dad, or both. This means child support isn’t meant to punish either parent—it’s about ensuring financial stability for the child.
Can Child Support Be Changed Later?
Yes. Life changes, and so can child support orders. If one parent loses a job, gets a significant raise, or if the custody arrangement changes, the court can modify the support amount. Either parent can request a review if there’s been a major change in circumstances. It’s important to handle this legally rather than making informal agreements that the court doesn’t recognize.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Child support laws in Louisiana can be complex, especially when shared custody is involved. What seems fair to one parent may not match what the law requires. Having an experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that the support amount is fair and accurate.
An attorney can also help with enforcement if payments stop or guide you through modifications if your financial situation changes. With the right legal advice, you can protect your child’s needs and your own financial future.
Final Thoughts
Shared custody can be a healthy and balanced way for children to maintain strong relationships with both parents after separation. But it doesn’t automatically cancel out child support. The exact amount depends on income, expenses, and time spent with each parent.
If you have questions about child support and shared custody in Louisiana, the best step is to talk to a knowledgeable attorney who understands state laws and family court procedures. They can explain your options, help you plan, and make sure your child’s best interests are protected.
For more information or to speak with a family law professional, contact Colonna Law Firm.
