Get La Joint Custody Implementation Plan 2020-2025

Louisiana child custody laws recognize joint custody as an option for separated parents, as well as grandparents' visitation rights, and courts will generally consider a child's own wishes before issuing custody orders. This is a quick summary of child custody laws in Louisiana.

As was previously mentioned, there are various different kinds of child custody arrangements. Sole custody, primary physical custody, joint custody and split custody are the most common options. Legal custody would be a choice as well.

50/50 schedules can benefit a child because the child spends substantial time living with both parents. This allows him or her to build a close relationship with both parents, and to feel cared for by both parents. 50/50 schedules work best when: The parents live fairly close to each other, so exchanges are easier.

The most common joint custody arrangements include the 2-2-3 plan and the 2-2-5 plan. Both involve spending alternate sets of days with either parent.

Who pays whom. Typically, the nondomiciliary parent (usually the parent with less time) pays the domiciliary parent. In a shared custody (equal time) arrangement, the parent with higher income generally pays the other parent.

50/50 Parenting Schedule Alternating Weeks. Alternating weeks between parental homes; seven days with one parent, seven days with the other. Alternating Two Weeks. Alternating every two weeks between parental homes; 14 days with one parent, 14 days with the other. 2-2-5-5. ... 3-4-4-3.

Unlike other states that only grant children over a certain age the opportunity to express their preference, Louisiana will consider the child's maturity. For example, a 13-year-old may say she wants to live with her mother because her father does not let her go out with friends without an adult present.

Louisiana courts don't have a specific age when they must consider a child's preference. Each judge must determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a child is mature enough to have a meaningful opinion.

(2) If the joint custody order provides for shared custody, the basic child support obligation shall first be multiplied by one and one-half and then divided between the parents in proportion to their respective adjusted gross incomes.