Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Louisiana
Louisiana sets no standard parenting time schedule and no overnight line for shared custody. For child support, shared custody means approximately equal time and the worksheet uses each parent’s actual percentage.
Does Louisiana have a standard parenting time schedule?
Not in the statutes we read. The joint custody implementation order allocates the time periods each parent has physical custody, and physical custody is to be shared equally unless that is not feasible or not in the child’s best interest (R.S. 9:335(A)(2)). The schedule is set in the implementation order or the court’s judgment.
Is there an overnight line for shared custody in Louisiana?
No. For child support, “shared custody” means each parent has physical custody for an approximately equal amount of time (R.S. 9:315.9(A)(1)). That is a standard, not a number, so the court decides whether a schedule is approximately equal.
| Pattern (other parent) | Overnights a year | Share (other / primary) | Overnights from equal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of 14 nights | 52 | 14.2% / 85.8% | 130 |
| 3 of 14 nights | 78 | 21.4% / 78.6% | 104 |
| 4 of 14 nights | 104 | 28.5% / 71.5% | 78 |
| 5 of 14 nights | 130 | 35.6% / 64.4% | 52 |
| 6 of 14 nights | 156 | 42.7% / 57.3% | 26 |
| 7 of 14 nights | 183 | 50.1% / 49.9% | 0 |
These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before extra summer or holiday nights.
How are the percentages used in Louisiana?
In shared custody the basic child support obligation is multiplied by one and one-half and divided between the parents in proportion to their adjusted gross incomes; each parent’s theoretical obligation is then cross multiplied by the actual percentage of time the child spends with the other parent, work-related child care and extraordinary adjustments are added, and the parent owing more pays the difference, capped at what that parent would owe as a domiciliary parent (9:315.9(A)(2)-(7)).
How should I use the percentage in Louisiana?
Put the percentage the other parent has, such as 35.6%, into the support worksheet: Worksheet B cross multiplies each parent’s theoretical obligation by the actual percentage of time the child spends with the other parent (9:315.9(A)(3)). Use the Louisiana parenting time calculator to test schedules and the Louisiana child support calculator for the amount.
Does a court have to find shared custody in Louisiana?
Not always: the formula applies if a joint custody order or plan provides for shared custody, or if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that shared custody exists (9:315.9(A)(2)).
Why is there no overnight number in Louisiana?
The statute defines shared custody as approximately equal time rather than a count, which leaves the decision to the court on the facts of the case, so two schedules with the same overnights can be treated differently when other circumstances differ.
What should a written schedule cover in Louisiana?
- The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
- Holidays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
- The overnight count, so child support uses the right percentages.
- Transportation, communication and decision-making.
- How changes are agreed and put in writing.
What about an emergency or disaster in Louisiana?
The joint custody statute also deals with custody during an emergency or disaster evacuation (9:335(C)); include a plan in your implementation order if you live where evacuations are common.
What if the parents cannot agree in Louisiana?
The court decides on the child’s best interest, starting from equal sharing in a joint custody decree. See the uncontested versus contested divorce in Louisiana post for how agreed and disputed cases differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard parenting schedule in Louisiana?
No statewide schedule appears in the statutes we read; the implementation order sets it.
How many overnights is shared custody in Louisiana?
No number is stated; shared custody means approximately equal time.
Does a 7-in-14 schedule count as shared custody in Louisiana?
It is about 183 overnights, an essentially equal split, which fits the approximately equal standard.
Does a 3-in-14 schedule count as shared custody in Louisiana?
It is about 78 overnights, 21.4%, far from approximately equal.
Who sets the schedule if Louisiana parents cannot agree?
The court, on the child’s best interest, starting from equal sharing in a joint custody decree.
Official sources
- La. R.S. 9:335: joint custody decree and implementation order
- Louisiana Act 605: R.S. 9:335(A)(2)(b), equal sharing of physical custody
- La. R.S. 9:315.9: effect of shared custodial arrangement
- La. R.S. 9:355.5: mailing notice of proposed relocation address
- Louisiana relocation statutes, R.S. 9:355.1 to 9:355.20
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.