Child support is a recurring payment to support a minor child. Parents may request a child support order from the state after divorce or ending a relationship with the child’s other parent.
Learn more about Louisiana child support, which covers basic living expenses until the child becomes an adult.
The child support process
Either parent can request child support in Louisiana by applying through the state Department of Children and Family Services. You can apply online or with a paper application and must pay a $25 application fee.
To establish child support, some cases require genetic testing to confirm paternity. Paternity is especially important when the parents are not married. Parents can sign a document at the time of birth, establishing paternity. When either parent has questions about the biological father’s identity, they can request a DNA test during the application process.
Factors in child support calculations
The state will issue a child support order that is legally binding. Child support in Louisiana is calculated based on:
- The number of children you have with the other parent
- Your income
- The other parent’s income
- The kind of custody involved (shared or not)
Child support may vary depending on the needs of the child, as well as the ability of the parent to pay for those needs. For example, some children have special educational or medical needs.
Child support will be enforced until the child is 18 years old. Support can continue until age 19 if the 18-year-old is still a full-time student in high school or college and depends on either parent.