Interest on Child Support Arrears in Louisiana: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
The Louisiana child support interest rate follows the judicial interest rate, set each year at 3.25 points above the Federal Reserve discount rate and 7.50% for calendar year 2026. The sections we read do not say how it attaches to past-due support, so ask the court or DCFS how interest is computed on your arrears.
What is the interest rate on child support arrears in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s judicial interest rate is set each year by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, who takes the Federal Reserve discount rate published on the first business day of October and adds 3.25 percentage points for the following calendar year (La. R.S. 13:4202(B)). The Commissioner set it at 7.50% for calendar year 2026. It changes every year, so check the current rate for the year you need.
Does Louisiana judicial interest apply to past-due child support?
The sections we read set the rate but do not say how it attaches to past-due support installments, so we cannot state a start date or whether it is simple or compound. Ask the court or DCFS how interest is being computed on your arrears, and treat the calculator’s rate field as a scenario. The Louisiana arrears calculator defaults to zero for that reason.
| Scenario at 7.50% simple from each due date | Interest | Total owed |
|---|---|---|
| 12 unpaid installments of $500 | $206.25 | $6,206.25 |
| 24 unpaid installments of $500 | $862.50 | $12,862.50 |
| 36 unpaid installments of $500 | $1,968.75 | $19,968.75 |
| 60 unpaid installments of $500 | $5,531.25 | $35,531.25 |
These are illustrations, not a statement of what you owe.
Why does the Louisiana rate change from year to year?
Because it follows the discount rate, plus 3.25 points. The rate was higher the year before, so interest computed over several years must use each year’s own rate (13:4202(B)). The rate is published each December in the Louisiana Register.
Is the interest collected like support?
Where DCFS provides services it can enforce by any lawful means, including license suspension and revocatory or oblique actions against an obligor who made himself insolvent (9:315.24). Ask whether interest is included in withholding.
What if the judgment amount is disputed?
Ask for a hearing and bring your payment records. A judgment for past-due support does not itself justify lowering the award (9:311(B)), but the amount of arrears can be contested like any other judgment amount.
How do I compute interest myself for a hearing?
Take each unpaid installment, count the months or days from its due date to the hearing date, and multiply by the rate for each calendar year, using that year’s own judicial rate (13:4202(B)). Bring the clerk’s payment history and your computation, and ask the court what method it will use.
Can the interest rate be negotiated in a payment plan?
A written agreement with DCFS to make periodic payments on an arrearage is how you stop a license certification (9:315.42(B)). Ask whether interest is part of the plan and get the terms in writing.
Does the judicial rate apply to a modified award?
A modification is retroactive to judicial demand at most (9:315.21(C)), and any difference that results becomes a new amount due. Ask whether interest runs on that difference from the judgment date or earlier.
Where do you get the official figure?
From DCFS Support Enforcement or the clerk of court. See whether arrears expire or can be forgiven and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Louisiana judicial interest rate?
It is set each year; it is 7.50% for calendar year 2026.
How is the Louisiana judicial interest rate set?
At 3.25 percentage points above the Federal Reserve discount rate on the first business day of October.
Does Louisiana judicial interest apply automatically to child support?
We could not verify the rule in the sections we read; ask the court or DCFS.
Why is the Louisiana interest rate different each year?
It follows the discount rate and is recalculated every year.
Where can I check my Louisiana child support balance?
With DCFS Support Enforcement or the clerk of court.
Official sources
- La. R.S. 13:4202: rates of judicial interest
- La. R.S. 9:315.31: license suspension definitions
- La. R.S. 9:315.41: notice of child support delinquency
- La. R.S. 9:315.42: objection to suspension
- La. R.S. 9:315.44: certification of noncompliance
- La. R.S. 9:315.24: enforcement; revocatory and oblique actions
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Louisiana statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Louisiana attorney.