When couples who have children together go through a divorce, one of the big issues that must be settled is child support. In Louisiana, parents have an equal obligation to share in the financial responsibility of raising a child. Child support payments are calculated using many factors, including each parent’s income.
Fast forward a bit in time until the parent receiving child support meets somebody new. You may be wondering what will happen to your child support payments if you decide to get remarried. Thankfully, child support payments will not stop if you decide to get remarried, and those payments might not be affected at all. Dive into all the details below to learn more about child support payments in Louisiana.
How is Child Support in Louisiana Calculated?
Louisiana calculates child support payments based on the state’s child support guidelines. The guidelines consider the income of both parents as well as the number of children when calculating the basic child support obligations.
Once the basic amount has been determined, the court may also include other add-on expenses to the monthly child support obligation.
Some add-on expenses the court may consider in making a final determination include:
- Health insurance costs
- Medical care needs
- Child care costs
- Music lessons
- Sports fees
- Education expenses, like tuition, books, or fees
Child support payments can also vary based on child custody arrangements. Payments may be slightly different if the parents share joint physical custody versus arrangements in which one parent is the custodial parent.
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How Remarriage Affects Child Support Payments
In Louisiana, getting remarried has no significant impact on child support payments in most cases. The formula for calculating payments is still the same, and the income of the parents is still used. However, there are some instances in which child support payments could be affected.
Some people who decide to get remarried end up having their children adopted by the new spouse. In that situation, the other parent may willingly give up their parental rights and consent to the adoption. When that happens, child support payments would end because your ex-spouse would no longer be the legal parent of the child.
If you are considering getting remarried, it may be a good idea to consult an experienced family lawyer. Your lawyer can assess your situation and tell you whether it will impact your child support payments.
When Do Child Support Payments End in Louisiana?
There are several scenarios that can cause child support payments to end. Getting remarried is generally not one of them.
However, child support payments will end if:
- The child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever comes first)
- The child dies
- Emancipation occurs
- One parent agrees to continue support for post-secondary education
- The child has disabilities that prevent them from being self-supportive
There are also some situations in which child support obligations may be modified. Those are outlined below.
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When Can Child Support Payments Be Changed?
Once the court sets a child support amount, that amount must be paid until a new court order changes it. You can request a modification after three years, even without a major change in circumstances.
However, if there is a significant change, such as job loss, major medical expenses, or changes in the child’s living situation, you may request a modification sooner. A change may also be granted if the new calculation differs by more than 25% from the current amount.
Only the court can approve changes. Adjusting payments on your own can lead to legal penalties.
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A Shreveport Family Lawyer Can Help
In Louisiana, getting remarried generally does not affect your child support payments. However, there are certain exceptions, such as adoption by a new spouse. It’s important to keep in mind that child support obligations continue until certain milestones are reached, like the child turning 18 or graduating from high school.
If your circumstances change significantly, it’s possible to request a modification to your child support payments. Always consult with a knowledgeable family lawyer to ensure you’re fully informed and protected.
Contact our North Louisiana Litigation Lawyers at Knight Law Firm for Help Today
For more information, contact our experienced family law attorneys at Knight Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
We proudly serve Shreveport, Monroe, Ruston, and the surrounding areas of North Louisiana.
Knight Law Firm – Shreveport Office
401 Market Street Suite 1006, Shreveport LA 71101
(318) 323-2213
Call or text 318-323-2213 or complete a Case Evaluation form
