Spousal Support (Alimony) in Louisiana
Most Louisiana couples negotiate spousal support during settlement and submit agreed terms for the judge to approve. If litigated, Louisiana distinguishes between interim spousal support during the case and final periodic spousal support after divorce.
Is there a formula in Louisiana?
There is no official spousal support calculator in Louisiana. Courts consider need and ability to pay, the marital standard of living, the length of the marriage, health and earning capacity, and whether the requesting spouse is free from fault in the breakup when deciding final support. Interim support focuses on immediate need and ability to pay while the case is pending.
A quick way to estimate temporary support
Temporary estimate = 40% of the higher earner’s net monthly income minus 50% of the lower earner’s net monthly income.
This is a negotiation tool, not law. Example: If one spouse’s net income is 6,800 and the other’s is 2,900, then 40% of 6,800 (2,720) minus 50% of 2,900 (1,450) suggests 1,270 per month. Adjust for health-insurance shifts, childcare, major debt payments, or seasonal income.
Types of spousal support
Interim support during the case and for a short period after the divorce to stabilize budgets.
Final periodic support after divorce, usually time-limited and based on need, ability to pay, and in many cases the requesting spouse’s freedom from fault.
Rehabilitative/transitional support by agreement to fund training or reentry to work.
Lump-sum/buyout by agreement, trading monthly payments for a single amount or property/account offsets.
What support covers and what it doesn’t
Support helps a spouse transition from one household to two and maintain reasonable stability while finances reset. It is not a punishment and does not duplicate child support, which addresses children’s needs separately.
Ways to structure payments
Monthly payments with planned step-downs tied to milestones such as finishing a program or obtaining full-time work.
Lump-sum buyout to simplify administration.
Offsets using equity or retirement accounts in lieu of cash.
Targeted payments for expenses like COBRA, rent, or tuition.
Life-insurance security naming the recipient as beneficiary for the support term.
How Hello Divorce can help
Hello Divorce can prepare all your Louisiana divorce forms for you with our divorce plans—and we can help you calculate or negotiate support with our mediators and financial pros.
FAQs
Does Louisiana use a set spousal support formula?
No. Louisiana has no mandated formula; judges weigh need and ability to pay. For final support, a spouse’s freedom from fault can be relevant.
How long does spousal support last in Louisiana?
Interim support covers the case and a short period after. Final periodic support is typically time-limited and tailored to the facts or your agreement.
Can spousal support be modified later?
Often yes, if your order allows it and there is a material change in circumstances. Parties may also agree to make support non-modifiable.
