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Louisiana Child Support Estimator
Louisiana sets child support using a state guideline schedule based on both parents’ incomes (La. R.S. 9:315 et seq.). This free tool gives a rough monthly range — a ballpark to start a conversation, not an official figure. The real number depends on details a court reviews, and only a lawyer can give you a reliable answer.
Enter what you can. Even a rough estimate gives a useful ballpark — but remember the result is an estimate of a range, and your actual order may fall outside it.
The estimate
Use each parent’s gross monthly income before taxes (wages, self-employment, most other income). A monthly figure works best — if you only know annual, divide by 12.
Shared custody (each parent has the children at least ~40% of the time) is calculated differently and usually lowers the transfer amount. This tool shows a rough adjustment only.
Optional — for a closer estimate
These add-ons (R.S. 9:315.3–.4) are shared between parents in proportion to income and can raise the obligation.
Please read — this is only a rough estimate. This tool applies the Louisiana child support guideline schedule (La. R.S. 9:315.19) in a simplified way and returns an approximate range, not an official calculation. Real Louisiana child support depends on many things this tool does not capture — the precise income definitions, imputed income, preexisting support obligations, the exact custody split, extraordinary medical or other expenses, and a court’s authority to deviate from the guidelines (R.S. 9:315.1). Do not rely on this number. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your actual order may be higher or lower. For a reliable figure, have a lawyer run the official worksheet on your specific facts. The schedule reflects La. Acts 2024, No. 86 (eff. Jan. 1, 2025) and should be confirmed against current law.
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