Quick answer: Louisiana has no spousal support formula. A spouse who is free from fault before the divorce petition was filed and is in need of support, based on that spouse’s needs and the other spouse’s ability to pay, may be awarded final periodic support after the court weighs all relevant factors. The sum may not exceed one-third of the obligor’s net income, except when the divorce was granted on certain fault grounds or the court finds domestic abuse. Interim spousal support, based on needs, ability to pay, child support and the standard of living, is available while the divorce is pending and ends 180 days after the divorce judgment unless good cause is shown. Support is extinguished by the remarriage of the recipient, the death of either party or a judicial determination of cohabitation in the manner of married persons.
What this calculator shows
The calculator checks the fault requirement and builds a monthly ceiling from the shortfall, the obligor’s ability to pay and the one-third cap. It does not predict an award. Fault and need are in fault and need, the factors and the cap in the factors and the one-third cap and interim support, changes and termination in interim, modifying and ending support.
Property, child support and spousal support
The financial obligations of the parties, including any interim allowance or child support, are a factor, and community property goes through a partition first. See the Louisiana property division calculator and the Louisiana child support calculator.
Spousal support across Louisiana
The Civil Code articles apply in every Louisiana district court, from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles or Metairie. Louisiana calls the support “spousal support”; the words alimony and maintenance are not used in the Civil Code.
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated in Louisiana?
There is no formula. A spouse free from fault and in need of support may be awarded final periodic support after the court weighs the factors in Civil Code art. 112, up to one-third of the obligor's net income.
Does fault matter for Louisiana spousal support?
Yes. Final periodic support is for a spouse free from fault prior to the filing of the petition, and spouses divorced on certain fault grounds or abuse victims are presumed entitled.
How long does Louisiana spousal support last?
For the duration the court sets after weighing the factors; it ends on remarriage of the recipient, death of either party or judicially determined cohabitation.
What is the one-third cap in Louisiana?
The sum awarded may not exceed one-third of the obligor's net income, except in domestic abuse cases and after certain fault-based divorces.
How long does interim spousal support last in Louisiana?
It ends 180 days after the divorce judgment, unless extended for good cause.