New Orleans Spousal Support Lawyers

Last updated on December 23, 2025

The end of a marriage can be a stressful and emotional situation. We can guide you through the divorce process efficiently and effectively. Some divorce matters include continued financial support for one of the parties.

The two main types of spousal support are interim and final. Interim spousal support provides the spouse seeking support with funds to maintain his or her current lifestyle, while the divorce is ongoing. As a more permanent solution, final support may be granted. Final support is designed to cover the spouse’s basic needs and may be granted if certain criteria are met.

Board-Certified Family Law Specialists

Salley & Salley, LLC, is among a small group of Louisiana law firms that offers an attorney who is a board-certified family law specialist, certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. This certification is granted to a select number of attorneys who meet specific standards of excellence and experience. Every day, we put our knowledge and experience to work providing personal service and aggressive representation for our clients. Attorney Laurel Salley has been a board-certified family law specialist since 2004.

The focus of our firm is family law, and we have more than 50 years of combined experience. Because our practice has always been centered on family law, we have gained an intimate knowledge of the local family court systems. This commitment to concentrate specifically on family law also continues to expand our extensive knowledge, expertise and experience, all to the benefit of our clients.

What Different Types Of Spousal Support Are Available In Louisiana?

Louisiana recognizes several distinct types of spousal support, each serving different purposes during and after divorce proceedings. Interim spousal support provides temporary financial assistance to a spouse during the divorce process, helping maintain their standard of living while the case is pending.

This support typically ends when the divorce is finalized or when a final spousal support order is entered.

Final spousal support represents a more permanent arrangement designed to help the receiving spouse meet their reasonable needs after divorce.

Louisiana law also recognizes rehabilitative spousal support, which provides temporary assistance to help a spouse gain education or job skills necessary to become self-supporting.

What Factors Commonly Influence Spousal Support?

Louisiana courts consider numerous factors when determining spousal support awards, with the primary focus on the receiving spouse’s needs and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. Key considerations include the length of the marriage, as longer marriages often result in stronger claims for support. The court examines each spouse’s income, earning capacity and employment history to assess financial circumstances.

Additional factors that influence spousal support decisions include:

• The age and health of both spouses
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing
• Educational background and job skills of the spouse seeking support
• The presence of minor children and their custody arrangements

Courts also consider any misconduct that contributed to the divorce, though Louisiana’s no-fault divorce laws limit the impact of fault-based considerations. The receiving spouse’s efforts to become self-supporting and their realistic prospects for achieving financial independence play significant roles in determining both the amount and duration of support.

How Is Spousal Support Determined In Jefferson Parish?

Jefferson Parish courts follow Louisiana state law when determining spousal support, but local practices and judicial preferences may influence specific outcomes. The court begins by establishing whether the requesting spouse has a genuine need for support and whether the other spouse has the financial ability to provide assistance.

The determination process involves detailed financial disclosure from both parties, including income statements, tax returns and documentation of living expenses. Jefferson Parish judges typically prefer support arrangements that encourage the receiving spouse to pursue self-sufficiency when possible. The court may order temporary support while the receiving spouse completes education or job training programs designed to improve earning capacity.

Let Our Metairie Spousal Support Lawyers Assist You

Contact us today to arrange for your confidential consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys, who will protect your interests and advocate passionately on your behalf, at 504-323-7114 or by email.

Sandra Salley and Laurel Salley have each been separately recognized for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list as top attorneys in Louisiana. Our firm has also received an A+ rating from the Greater New Orleans Area Better Business Bureau.