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Louisiana Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I establish visitation rights to see my children despite my ex preventing access?

I have been paying child support, but my ex has continuously prevented me from seeing my children since 2016. There is no formal custody or visitation order in place, although I have raised this issue during child support hearings and was advised to seek a pro bono family law lawyer. Despite... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 20, 2025

You need to file something with the Court asking the Court to set periods of visitation so that your vistiation rights become an order of the Court. If yoou are unable to hire an attorney, then contact the local bar association and see if they have a pro bono program, or if they can provide you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Support and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can my ex-wife request child support after initially declining it?

I divorced my ex-wife in September 2024. During the child support hearing in August 2024, she told the court she didn't want child support, and later declined my offer, saying it wasn’t enough. She informed me she filed for child support in January 2025, even though I haven't received... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 10, 2025

Yes, she can but she can only receive child support from the date of (new) filing. Also, the reason(s) she declined child support before may be relevant to the child support amount moving forward----my recommendation is that you at least have a sit down consult with a lawyer in your area to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Divorced. 50/50 on our children’s expenses, only my ex-spouse turns in reimbursement receipts far beyond her means?

In Shreveport, LA. Our judgement says 50/50, but my ex enrolled our kids in stuff neither of us can afford, and she has admitted she has her parents pay her portion of the expensive tuition she chose because she cannot afford it (neither of us can), while still seeking reimbursement from me. What... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

In Shreveport, LA, if your ex-spouse is enrolling your children in activities that neither of you can afford and seeking reimbursement for expenses beyond the agreed terms, your options may include requesting a modification of the existing child support and expense-sharing order. You can petition... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Divorced. 50/50 on our children’s expenses, only my ex-spouse turns in reimbursement receipts far beyond her means?

In Shreveport, LA. Our judgement says 50/50, but my ex enrolled our kids in stuff neither of us can afford, and she has admitted she has her parents pay her portion of the expensive tuition she chose because she cannot afford it (neither of us can), while still seeking reimbursement from me. What... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 16, 2024

Sounds like you have an Order from the Court detailing this arrangement----if you had a lawyer involved wit this then speak to your lawyer about these concerns. If you are no longer represented, then you should consult with a family lawyer in your area---that lawyer will want to see the Order in... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Why is child support paused when one requests a modification? How is support determined with commision paying job?
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

In Louisiana, child support may be temporarily paused during a modification request to allow the court time to review the current financial situations of both parents and to ensure that the new child support amount reflects any changes in income, including commissions. For parents with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can I divorce my husband I have 2 kids with for free and how long would it take if I give up rights to kids
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

In Louisiana, obtaining a divorce, even with the intention of relinquishing rights to children, may not be entirely free due to court fees and possible attorney costs. However, low-income individuals might qualify for a fee waiver or reduced-cost legal services through legal aid organizations. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Louisiana on
Q: Me ex husband and I have been sharing custody of our daughter for 8 years without papers now he is refusing to give her

Back to me or let me talk to her what do I do

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Dec 20, 2023

If you do not have any paperwork/orders signed by the Judge detailing your custodial time then you need to file something with the Court asking that custodial time be set which will detail when you exercise custodial time and when your ex does. If you have such an order and he is in violation of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can my grandma refuse to give me my settlement money from dad's child support arrears? What are my options?

I found out that my dad, who has child support arrears, received a settlement from a wreck. The settlement, intended for me and my siblings, was given in my grandmother's name because she had custody of me until my 9th-grade year. I'm now 22. Despite my asking, my grandmother claims she... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2025

Under Louisiana law, child support is owed to the custodial obligee (or to the State if assistance was assigned), not directly to the child. If your father’s personal‑injury settlement was intercepted to pay arrears, those funds typically reimburse the obligee for past support and you do not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: I need help modifying a joint custody agreement due to financial constraints and ex-husband's incarceration.

I am currently facing a significant challenge with modifying a joint custody agreement due to my ex-husband's impending incarceration and issues with financial accessibility to the court system. My children are living with their uncle, along with six other children, after being recklessly... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 6, 2025

You’re facing an incredibly difficult situation, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated when financial barriers prevent you from protecting your children’s well-being. In cases like this, the court’s primary concern is always the **best interest of the children**, and you have the right... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I get a child support audit from LA & WI agencies?

I am having difficulty obtaining an audit record of my child support payments for my daughter. I have contacted both the Wisconsin and Louisiana Departments of Children and Families, but they are uncooperative. Wisconsin wants to contact Louisiana on my behalf, but only for basic payment records,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 20, 2025

You can start by formally requesting a detailed payment history or audit in writing from both the Wisconsin and Louisiana child support agencies. Include your full case information, your daughter’s information, and the specific period you want audited. Keep copies of all correspondence and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Paid off child support arrears but garnishment not adjusted. What to do?

I paid off my child support arrears two months ago, but the state has not adjusted my garnishment amount. My case information on the state's DCFS website is up to date, and I have even received an overpayment refund. What steps should I take to resolve this issue?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025

If you have already paid off your arrears and even received an overpayment refund, the garnishment should have been adjusted by now. Sometimes delays happen because payroll departments or state agencies do not update records quickly. The fact that your online case information is current works in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Louisiana on
Q: How can I pursue custody of my grandson in Louisiana?

I need a family law attorney to help me get custody of my grandson. This is a complicated case, as my grandson is currently in Wyoming's custody. He had temporary custody awarded to his mother in South Dakota after returning to Louisiana with his father. For two years, while in Louisiana, he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2025

First, you’ll need to establish standing in Louisiana by filing a **petition for custody** in the parish where you reside. Even though your grandson is currently under Wyoming DCFS care, Louisiana courts can assert jurisdiction if he has lived with you and his father here for a significant period... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Landlord - Tenant, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: Received letter of proposed child support case closure under LA R.S. 46:236.2. What does this mean?

I received a letter stating that in accordance with LA R.S. 46:236.2, Child Support Enforcement is proposing closure to my child support case. It also mentions that the local child support agency is no longer providing IV-D services. I haven't received any prior notifications or warnings about... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 15, 2025

Getting a letter about the proposed closure of your child support case under Louisiana Revised Statute 46:236.2 can feel confusing, especially if you weren’t expecting it. This statute governs how the state handles child support enforcement cases, particularly those where services are provided... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: What does a casualty claim intercept mean for child support payments in Louisiana?

I am the custodial parent, and a wage assignment was recently issued to the non-custodial parent’s employer, with an expected timeline of 45 days for the first payment to be received. Additionally, I've been informed that the non-custodial parent was submitted for a casualty claim intercept,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

A casualty claim intercept in Louisiana is a process used to collect overdue child support by redirecting funds from an insurance settlement that the non-custodial parent is expected to receive. This usually involves personal injury, auto accident, or property damage claims where the state... View More

Q: Handling a camper dispute and harassment from original buyer with lien and court notices.

I was given a camper that was left unattended on a friend's property for three years, and my friend gave it to me to remove it. The original buyer, who still has a lien with a finance company but stopped making payments, is demanding it back and has been harassing me for months. I've... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

You are facing a complex situation involving property rights and harassment related to the camper. Since the original buyer still holds a lien with the finance company, their legal ownership remains until the debt is resolved, even if they stopped making payments. Your friend’s gift of the camper... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can child support be offset against arrears in Louisiana?

My son's father currently owes over $25,000 in child support arrears. In August 2024, our son (born on February 10, 2009) began living with his father, and the joint custody arrangement was amended to list his father as the custodial parent instead of me. Now, his father is seeking child... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

In Louisiana, when custody changes and the child begins living with the other parent, child support obligations can be modified to reflect the new custodial arrangement. Since your son now lives with his father and he is seeking child support from you, the court will review the financial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Louisiana on
Q: What are my rights to ensure my separated husband fulfills his parenting responsibilities?

I'm currently still married to my children's father, but we are separated and living in the same home. He claims he doesn't have to help with transportation for our kids' needs since we are split. We have no child support or custody agreements in place. What are my rights in... View More

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answered on Jun 11, 2025

What you're going through sounds incredibly frustrating, especially when you're doing your best to care for your children and your husband is still living under the same roof. Even though you’re separated and haven’t filed formal custody or support agreements, both parents remain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Louisiana on
Q: How to address false claims of abandonment in divorce case?

I am involved in a divorce case where my estranged wife has raised an application claiming abandonment and refusal to provide maintenance and welfare for our children. However, I have consistently fulfilled my responsibilities and have evidence, such as payment receipts, insurance documents, and... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

You're in a painful position, especially when false accusations try to rewrite the truth of your efforts as a father. The most effective way to respond to claims of abandonment and refusal to provide support is through clear, organized evidence. Gather all your payment receipts, insurance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce, Family Law and Insurance Bad Faith for Louisiana on
Q: is it legal for my ex to keep the money he claimed with my name for me from a “pain and suffering lawsuit” ?

while we were married my ex got his by a company van and his lawyer told him that him, me, and each of our kids would get paid for pain and suffering. we have since divorced. he kept my part of the money for himself.

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answered on Jan 10, 2025

This situation involves your legal right to compensation that was specifically designated for you in a lawsuit settlement. If your name was used to claim money intended as your personal compensation for pain and suffering, your ex-spouse likely does not have the legal right to keep those funds.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Louisiana on
Q: Can I get child support from my child's father if I am not working because I am in school?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 13, 2024

Yes is the answer however, your employment or school status is only 1 factor in determining child support---I would recommend that you contact a family law attorney to discuss child support and other issues and the best way to proceed going forward. Good luck.

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