Metairie Child Support Attorneys
Last updated on January 23, 2026
Child support issues can be conflict causing and emotional. Whether you are the mother or the father, it is important to remember to keep the best interest of the child as your priority. Financial support is one of many ways parents can enrich a child’s life.
Child support may include funds to the cover a child’s basic needs, tuition, school fees, extended care fees, day care and summer care, medical and dental health care, and extracurricular activities. As a parent, you should educate yourself on what is required by law.
Providing Solutions For Southeastern Louisiana Families
We can advise you on all matters pertaining to child support, including calculating the appropriate amount of support, determining if an increase or a decrease is required, addressing arrearages and having the court determine the appropriate penalties for nonpayment. In some cases, paternity may need to be determined.
We are also 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. Laurel Salley has been a board-certified family law specialist since 2004. We have more than 50 years of combined experience in family law.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Louisiana?
Louisiana uses a guideline-based system to calculate child support, with the goal of creating a fair and predictable financial outcome for children. The calculation begins with both parents’ gross monthly incomes, including wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income and certain benefits. Once combined, the court refers to statutory guidelines that establish a base support amount tied to income levels and the number of children involved.
From there, adjustments may be made based on specific circumstances. Health insurance premiums paid for the child, work-related child care costs and extraordinary medical expenses are commonly added to the base amount. The court also considers how parenting time is shared, since a parent who has the child more frequently may directly cover additional daily expenses. While the guidelines provide structure, judges retain discretion to deviate when justified by a child’s needs or a parent’s financial reality.
What Does Child Support Cover In Louisiana?
Child support is intended to contribute to the overall well-being and stability of a child, not just basic necessities. The law recognizes that raising a child involves ongoing and evolving costs that go beyond food and shelter.
Common expenses child support is designed to address include:
- Housing-related costs such as rent, utilities and household upkeep
- Food and daily living necessities
- Clothing, footwear and seasonal items
- Medical and dental care, including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Child care and after-school supervision
- Educational expenses such as school fees, supplies and tutoring
- Transportation and related costs
- Extracurricular activities that support development and social growth
Because children’s needs change as they grow, support arrangements may require periodic review. Courts expect child support funds to be used for the child’s benefit, supporting both physical needs and long-term development.
What Happens If Your Spouse Refuses Or Cannot Pay Child Support?
When a parent refuses or fails to pay court-ordered child support, Louisiana law provides enforcement tools to address nonpayment. If the failure is willful, the receiving parent may request court intervention to compel compliance. Enforcement actions can include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver or professional licenses and seizure of certain assets.
If a parent truly cannot pay due to job loss, illness or another substantial change in circumstances, the proper step is to request a modification rather than stop paying. Until a court approves a change, the existing order remains enforceable. Arrearages continue to accrue, often with interest, which can create long-term financial consequences. Prompt legal action can help protect a child’s financial support while addressing legitimate payment challenges through lawful channels.
Let Us Help You Create A Child Support Plan That Reflects Your Interests
If you need to establish child support, or would like a modification of a current child support order, you can rely on Salley & Salley, LLC, for quality legal assistance. Contact us today to arrange for your confidential consultation with one of our experienced child support attorneys 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.