Last updated on February 3, 2026
Louisiana child support calculations help ensure that children continue to receive proper financial support after parents separate or divorce. Because the process involves statutory formulas, financial disclosures and judicial discretion, working with an attorney is necessary. A knowledgeable lawyer can help ensure that income is accurately assessed, required add-ons are included and the final support amount reflects the child’s actual needs under Louisiana law.
Buhrer Law Firm represents parents throughout Metairie who need reliable guidance with child support matters. For more than 35 years, the firm has handled complex family law cases involving deep financial analysis and litigation. The founding attorney, Scott Buhrer, holds a Master of Business Administration, which allows him to accurately evaluate income from self-employment earnings and complicated business structures. That can strengthen the financial foundation of child support claims and defenses.
How Louisiana Child Support Guidelines Work
Child support guidelines in Louisiana are governed by statutory formulas designed to promote consistency and fairness between parents. The Louisiana child support calculator considers incomes, custody arrangements and other necessary costs required to meet a child’s needs.
Attorneys help ensure these calculations reflect both the law and the family’s reality. Some key aspects of the guidelines include:
- Statutory Formulas: The court relies on established calculations to determine basic support.
- Financial Documentation: Tax returns, pay stubs and benefit statements are used to verify income.
- Court Discretion: Judges may adjust amounts for special circumstances or deviations.
- Mandatory Costs: Health insurance and childcare expenses are added to the base support.
Working with a lawyer helps ensure all relevant factors are presented accurately to the court and prevents underestimating or overestimating support obligations.
The Income Shares Model in Louisiana
Louisiana applies the income shares model to promote fairness. This approach considers both parents’ combined income to determine the child’s support needs. The model’s elements include:
- Combined Adjusted Gross Income: The total income of both parents is used rather than only the payer’s earnings.
- Proportional Contribution: Each parent’s share of the basic support obligation is based on their portion of total income.
- Reflecting Household Reality: The child receives support consistent with what they would have had if the parents lived together.
- Adjustments for Voluntary Underemployment: Courts can impute income if a parent earns less than their potential.
An attorney helps ensure that all income is accurately represented and that adjustments are applied correctly under Louisiana law.
Worksheet A vs. Worksheet B: How Custody Time Impacts Your Child Support Payment
Louisiana utilizes two distinct calculation methods based on how many days the child spends with each parent. Selecting the correct worksheet is the most critical step in the process because it determines how the basic support obligation is split; using the wrong one can result in a support order that is off by hundreds of dollars a month. We act as your strategic check to ensure your custody days are counted correctly and the right formula is applied to your case.
| Criteria | Worksheet A (Sole Custody & Standard Visitation) | Worksheet B (Shared Custody) |
|---|---|---|
| Who It Is For | This is the standard calculation used when one parent is the primary “domiciliary” parent and the other has visitation. | This is used in true shared or “joint” custody arrangements where both parents play an active day-to-day role. |
| The Rule | It applies if the non-domiciliary parent has the child for less than 73 days per year. | It applies only when the non-domiciliary parent has physical custody for at least 73 days (roughly 20% of the year). |
| The Impact | Under this model, the full basic support obligation is owed to the domiciliary parent, as they are assumed to cover the vast majority of daily expenses. | Worksheet B usually results in a lower monthly transfer payment. It provides an automatic adjustment because the law recognizes that you are already paying for food, shelter, and utilities during the significant time the child is in your home. |
Defining Gross Income For Child Support Purposes
Gross income is the foundation of Louisiana child support calculations. It includes more than just wages and salaries. Components of gross income include:
- Employment Income: Salaries, hourly wages and bonuses
- Self-Employment Earnings: Net business income after legitimate expenses
- Additional Sources: Commissions, tips, rental income, dividends and pensions
- Imputed Income: Courts may estimate income for voluntarily underemployed parents
Buhrer Law Firm can assist in identifying all sources of income and help ensure the court recognizes any hidden or unreported earnings. This can make a significant impact on support obligations.
Mandatory Add-Ons to the Basic Support Obligation
After calculating basic support, Louisiana law requires certain costs to be added. These mandatory add-ons help ensure that children’s essential expenses are covered. Key add-ons include:
- Health Insurance Premiums: Costs for insuring the child under one parent’s policy
- Childcare Expenses: Net costs incurred due to employment or job search
- Medical Expenses: Uncovered or extraordinary medical costs may also be added
Including these costs can ensure that support calculations are fair and reflect the child’s actual financial needs. We can help you collect proper documentation to maximize accuracy.
Exceptions to the Rule: When the Court May Adjust Support
While the Louisiana guidelines determine the baseline support amount, the law (R.S. 9:315.1) grants judges the discretion to deviate from the formula if strict application would be unjust or not in the best interest of the child. These are specific legal exceptions, not automatic adjustments, and they require substantial evidence. Our attorney’s analyze your financial landscape to identify valid statutory grounds for a deviation, advocating for necessary adjustments in cases involving:
- Extraordinary Medical Expenses: We ensure the calculation accounts for significant, ongoing costs not covered by insurance, such as long-term therapy or orthodontic care.
- Private School Tuition: We petition the court to include tuition costs when a particular educational need is proven or when there is a history of attendance.
- Support of Other Dependents: Financial obligations to additional children
- High-Income Cases or Adjustments: When combined parental income exceeds the highest tier of the Louisiana schedule, the standard formula no longer applies. In these cases, we argue for an amount based on the actual lifestyle and needs of the child.
Courts also consider voluntary underemployment or hidden income. We help ensure that deviations are properly justified and documented, preventing disputes or miscalculations.
Speak With A Metairie, Louisiana, Child Support Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with child support questions in Metairie, Louisiana, speaking with an attorney can help you understand the legal requirements of the process. Buhrer Law Firm helps parents understand their obligations, address income disputes and pursue fair outcomes under Louisiana law.
Call us at 504-541-6997 to work with a lawyer who is prepared to protect your interests and guide you through the child support process. You can also use the online form to set up a consultation.