Spousal Support
Whether you are seeking spousal support or facing an obligation you believe is unjust, The Rhodes Law Firm provides experienced, strategic counsel to clients in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge, Harahan, Luling, Boutte, Houma, and throughout Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, and St. Charles Parish.
Spousal support — commonly known as alimony — is a payment made by one spouse to another following separation or divorce. In Louisiana, spousal support is governed by Louisiana Civil Code articles 111–116 and takes two forms: interim spousal support and final periodic spousal support. Understanding the distinction — and advocating effectively for the right outcome — requires experienced legal counsel.
Interim Spousal Support
Interim spousal support is temporary financial assistance paid during the pendency of the divorce proceedings. Its purpose is to maintain the financial status quo and ensure that neither spouse suffers undue hardship while the case is pending. The court considers each spouse's income, expenses, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Interim support typically terminates 180 days after the divorce judgment is rendered, unless a final support award has been made.
Final Periodic Spousal Support
Final periodic spousal support is awarded after the divorce and is based on the claimant spouse's need and the obligor spouse's ability to pay. Crucially, under Louisiana law, a spouse who is found to have been at fault in the dissolution of the marriage — through adultery, abandonment, or other grounds — is not entitled to final spousal support. The court considers factors including:
- The income and means of the parties, including the liquidity of assets
- The financial obligations of each party
- The earning capacity of each party
- The effect of custody arrangements on each party's earning capacity
- The time necessary for the claimant spouse to acquire education, training, or employment
- The health and age of the parties
- The duration of the marriage
- The tax consequences to each party
Modification & Termination
Final spousal support may be modified or terminated if there is a material change in the circumstances of either party. It terminates automatically upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. We help clients seek modifications when circumstances change and defend against modification requests when appropriate.
Authoritative Resources
- Louisiana Civil Code Art. 111 – Spousal Support Obligation (Louisiana Legislature) ↗
- Louisiana Civil Code Art. 112 – Factors for Final Periodic Spousal Support ↗
- Louisiana Civil Code Art. 113 – Interim Spousal Support ↗
- Louisiana Civil Code Art. 116 – Termination of Spousal Support ↗
- LawHelp Louisiana – Spousal Support (Alimony) Overview ↗
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