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Louisiana Alimony Calculator (2026)

Louisiana Civil Code arts. 111–112 set a firm ceiling on spousal support: the paying spouse’s net income cannot generate support above one‑third of that income. The cap is a maximum, not a guaranteed amount, and the court only awards what the requesting spouse actually needs. No preset duration exists; support continues until it’s modified, or ends upon remarriage, cohabitation, or death, and the requesting spouse must be free from fault before filing.

Reviewed 2026-09-02 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

After taxes — Louisiana's cap is one-third of NET income.
The law behind this calculator: Louisiana final periodic spousal support (one-third cap) — La. Civ. Code arts. 111–112.

How Louisiana calculates it

  • Calculate the paying spouse’s net annual income and divide by 12 to get monthly net income.
  • Take one‑third of the monthly net income – this is the statutory ceiling for support.
  • The court may award any amount up to that ceiling, based on the requesting spouse’s need.
  • There is no fixed term; support lasts until the court modifies it or it ends because of remarriage, cohabitation, or death of either party.
  • The requesting spouse must be free from fault at the time of filing for the support claim.

Worked example

In the example, the paying spouse’s net income is $90,000 per year ($7,500 per month). One‑third of that income is $2,500 per month, which is the statutory ceiling. For a 15‑year marriage, Louisiana sets no fixed duration schedule; final periodic support lasts until modified, or ends on remarriage, cohabitation, or death. The requesting spouse must be free from fault before filing.

Frequently asked questions

How does Louisiana determine the maximum alimony amount?

Louisiana caps periodic spousal support at one‑third of the paying spouse’s net income; the court can award any amount up to that ceiling based on need.

Can alimony automatically stop if I remarry?

Yes. In Louisiana, final periodic support ends upon the remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse, unless the court orders otherwise.

Does fault affect my eligibility for alimony in Louisiana?

The requesting spouse must be free from fault at the time of filing; fault can bar a claim for spousal support.

Is there a set time limit for alimony in Louisiana?

No. Louisiana does not impose a fixed duration schedule; support continues until modified by the court or terminated by remarriage, cohabitation, or death.

What happens to alimony if the paying spouse dies?

Alimony terminates upon the death of the paying spouse unless the court has ordered a different arrangement.

Is the calculation different in New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Shreveport?

No. La. Civ. Code arts. 111–112 applies statewide, so courts in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and every other county start from the same guideline. Local practice can differ in how judges weigh deviation factors and in typical negotiated outcomes, but the formula on this page is the one used across Louisiana.

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