Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

What counts as income for Louisiana child support?

Louisiana counts virtually all income sources: wages, salaries, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, rental income, interest, dividends, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits. If a parent is voluntarily underemployed, the court may impute income at the level the parent is capable of earning.

Can child support be modified in Louisiana?

Yes. Either parent may petition to modify a child support order if there has been a material change in circumstances — typically a significant change in either parent's income (usually 25% or more) or a change in the child's needs. The modification applies from the date the rule to modify is served on the other parent.

What happens if a parent doesn't pay child support in Louisiana?

Non-payment of child support is enforceable through contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, income assignment orders, seizure of tax refunds, suspension of driver's and professional licenses, and liens on property. Willful non-payment can result in incarceration. The Louisiana DCFS child support enforcement program can also assist in enforcement.

Does shared custody affect child support in Louisiana?

Yes. When parents share physical custody relatively equally (each having substantial time with the child), Louisiana uses an adjusted calculation that reduces the basic support obligation based on each parent's parenting time. Courts use the Shared Custody Worksheet under La. R.S. 9:315.9.

Can parents agree to a different child support amount?

Parents may agree to a different amount than the guidelines produce, but the court must approve any deviation from the guidelines and must find that the agreed amount is in the child's best interests. Courts are reluctant to approve amounts substantially lower than the guidelines.

How long does child support last in Louisiana?

Child support generally continues until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still in high school at age 18, support continues until the child graduates or reaches age 19, whichever occurs first. Courts may also order support for a disabled child beyond age 18 in appropriate circumstances.

What is imputed income in Louisiana child support?

If a court finds that a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed without good cause, it may 'impute' income — treat the parent as if they earn an amount consistent with their education, work history, and earning capacity. This prevents a parent from artificially reducing their income to lower a support obligation.

Can child support include college expenses in Louisiana?

Louisiana law does not require parents to pay for post-secondary education expenses as part of a child support order. However, parents may agree to contribute to college costs in a consent agreement, and courts can enforce such agreements.

Where do I file for child support in New Orleans and Metairie?

In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), child support matters are heard in Orleans Parish Civil District Court or through DCFS. In Metairie and Jefferson Parish, cases are heard in the 24th Judicial District Court. Private legal counsel often achieves faster and more comprehensive outcomes than the DCFS administrative process alone.

Family Law Guide

How Is Child Support Calculated in Louisiana?

Updated 2026 · Serving New Orleans, Metairie & Southeast Louisiana

Louisiana calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under La. R.S. 9:315 et seq. Both parents' net monthly incomes are combined and applied to a state Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations. Each parent's share is proportional to their income. The base amount is then adjusted for health insurance premiums, childcare costs, and extraordinary expenses. Shared custody arrangements use a separate worksheet that adjusts for each parent's parenting time percentage.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Family Law — Child Support · Last Updated: September 26, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

Step-by-Step: How Louisiana Calculates Child Support

Determine Each Parent's Gross Income

Include all sources: wages, self-employment, bonuses, rental income, Social Security, etc.

Calculate Net Monthly Income

Subtract allowable deductions (taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, health insurance premiums paid for the child).

Combine Both Parents' Net Incomes

Add both parents' net monthly incomes together to get the combined monthly income figure.

Apply the Louisiana Support Schedule

Find the basic child support obligation from the state's Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations based on combined income and number of children.

Allocate Each Parent's Share

Divide the basic obligation proportionally based on each parent's percentage of combined income.

Add Adjustments

Add each parent's share of work-related childcare costs and health insurance premiums for the child. Extraordinary medical expenses may also be allocated.

Questions About Your Child Support Amount?

Jonathan M. Rhodes can review your income situation and help you understand what a court is likely to order. Free consultation.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Deviations From the Guidelines

Louisiana courts may deviate from the calculated guideline amount if strict application would be unjust or inappropriate. Deviation factors include extraordinary medical expenses not covered by insurance, the child's special needs, a parent's financial obligations to other children, and the child's ownership of assets that can satisfy some needs. Any deviation must be supported by written findings explaining why the guideline amount is inappropriate.

Related Child Support Resources

Can Child Support Be Modified?

Modification standards and process.

Child Custody Attorney

Custody arrangements affect support.

Divorce Attorney

Divorce and support together.

Louisiana Family Law FAQ

Answers to common questions.

Louisiana Legal Resource Center

All legal resources.

Child Support in Louisiana — Frequently Asked Questions

Ensure Your Child Receives the Support They Deserve

Free initial consultation with Jonathan M. Rhodes. Serving New Orleans, Metairie, and Southeast Louisiana.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975