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Last Modified on Aug 18, 2026
Alimony, which is legally known as spousal support in Louisiana, helps maintain a balance between spouses. Every case is different, which poses the question: How is spousal support calculated in Louisiana?
In the event of a separation, interim spousal support is used to maintain the status quo of the marriage from the date of filing until 6 months post-divorce. Final support is to ensure both spouses are able to afford the basic necessities of housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, medical and clothing. You can expect the court to grant spousal support based on the requesting party’s financial needs and the other party’s ability to pay.
Understanding Louisiana Spousal Support Laws
Louisiana has unique civil laws when compared to many other states across the country. This includes family laws, including those pertaining to spousal support.
These types of cases are typically ancillary matters of a divorce case. Louisiana’s marriage and divorce rates are 3.7 per 1,000 people and 0.9 per 1,000 people, respectively, which are both the lowest rates in the nation.
It’s helpful to understand the nuances of Louisiana spousal support laws in order to be successful in an alimony case. There are two main types of spousal support recognized under Louisiana law:
- Interim spousal support is intended to help the receiving spouse in the immediate wake of the divorce process. It’s requested during a divorce and paid while the case is pending. It typically ends 6 months after a divorce is finalized.
- Final periodic spousal support is a more long-term solution that is awarded as a part of the final divorce judgment. It’s designed to provide ongoing support to the dependent spouse over an extended period of time. It’s usually paid in recurring increments.
A judge can set a specific time limit on final periodic spousal support if the payments are only supposed to continue until the receiving spouse is able to care for themselves. There are a few triggers that automatically stop support payments:
- Cohabitation between the receiving spouse and a new partner
- Death of either the paying or receiving party
- Remarriage of the spouse receiving support
It’s also possible to modify a spousal support order if a change occurs in one or both of your lives. It’s wise to hire a dedicated spousal support lawyer to represent you in a spousal support case. In fact, it’s helpful to consult a lawyer to facilitate matters and to save time and money.
How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Louisiana?
How spousal support is calculated in Louisiana varies from case to case. Instead of following a strict formula to determine support payments, the court determines spousal support by evaluating a number of different factors that affect both spouses.
For starters, the total amount of support awarded depends on the paying spouse’s ability to pay and the receiving spouse’s needs. Except in certain circumstances such as domestic violence, payments are capped at one-third of the paying party’s net income under Louisiana law.
In order to determine interim support or final periodic support, you can expect the court to look at things like both spouses’ standards of living and their financial obligations. The duration of the marriage can also affect support.
When it comes to final periodic support, you can also expect courts to consider freedom from fault from any offenses throughout the marriage before determining whether or not a spouse is eligible to receive support.
Courts also must take into consideration how the age and health of each party affects their ability to work. You can also expect them to determine how child custody arrangements affect each of their lives.
FAQs
When Do Spousal Support Agreements in Louisiana Typically End?
When spousal support agreements in Louisiana typically end depends on the type of support you are seeking. Interim spousal support is supposed to be temporary, typically only lasting until the divorce is finalized. This type of support typically lasts up to 180 days after the divorce judgment is signed under Louisiana law.
Final periodic spousal support, on the other hand, does not have a specific end date. When support ends depends on any major changes in both spouses’ lives.
What Does Spousal Support Cover in Louisiana?
Spousal support can cover a number of different expenses for the requesting spouse depending on their needs. Spousal support payments can cover basic needs, including housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, medical, clothing, and tax consequences of receiving support.
This money is for maintenance only and is not to be used to fund a lifestyle beyond the standard of living a spouse had during the marriage. A Louisiana alimony attorney can help you make a plan for your projected expenses.
Does Fault Play a Part in Spousal Support in Louisiana?
Yes, fault can play a part in spousal support in Louisiana depending on the type of support. Legal fault can have a significant impact on final periodic support. The requesting spouse must prove that they are free from fault during the marriage in order to secure alimony.
For example, they can’t be guilty of abandonment, abuse, adultery, intemperance, defamation, being overly quarrelsome or facing incarceration for a felony. Fault is not considered in interim spousal support cases, which involve temporary, short-term support.
Is It Difficult to Secure Spousal Support in Louisiana?
Yes, it can be difficult to secure spousal support in Louisiana. Securing fair support depends on your ability to prove your financial need and, in final period support cases, an absence of personal fault. It’s generally easier to secure interim spousal support than final periodic support.
Even so, it can be challenging to get the support you need. It’s recommended that you hire a spousal support lawyer who has experience with these cases in Louisiana.
Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Louisiana to Discuss Your Situation in More Detail
Laura L. Davenport, LLC takes a proactive approach to settling family disputes to help you secure a favorable outcome. You can count on us to lay out your options, so you can make an informed decision.
Laura L. Davenport has earned the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys’ Attorney Client Satisfaction Award and the Three Best Rated® Top 3 Divorce Lawyers in Lafayette Award. Our local firm is also:
- Acadiana Advocate’s Acadiana’s Choice
- Acadiana Profile Magazine’s Top Lawyers of Acadiana
- Attorney & Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Family Law Firms
- Lead Counsel-rated*
If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help, come see us at our office in Lafayette. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
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