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Last Modified on Oct 02, 2025
Louisiana’s alimony laws are unique, which can make navigating a spousal support case complicated and daunting. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it on your own. Instead, you can hire a spousal support lawyer to guide you through the process and answer all the questions you may have along the way. These questions may include, “When can a spouse claim spousal benefits in Louisiana?”
A Louisiana spousal support attorney can help you understand all your legal options when it comes to your case. Still, it can be beneficial to understand a bit more about the state’s alimony laws yourself, so you can secure the support you deserve.
Louisiana Spousal Support Cases
Spousal support can be a key factor in a divorce, depending on both spouses’ financial situations. This is especially true in cases where one spouse makes significantly more than the other. The marriage and divorce rates in Louisiana are 3.7 per 1,000 people and 0.9 per 1,000 people, respectively, which are both the lowest rates in the nation.
That said, divorce still impacts many Louisiana residents. Every separation is different depending on the couple. The median household income in Louisiana is $60,023. If one spouse makes significantly less than the other, they may be eligible to receive spousal support as a stipulation of the divorce. Types of spousal support recognized in Louisiana include:
- Spousal support based on an individual’s circumstances regarding fluctuating income, and a final determination is contingent on the divorce. This is known as interim spousal support.
- Spousal support provided to one spouse who does not have any fault in the dissolution of the marriage and is based on the need of one spouse that the other can provide. This is known as final support.
When Can a Spouse Claim Spousal Benefits in Louisiana?
You can claim spousal support at different times throughout or after the divorce process, depending on what type of support you request. A Louisiana spousal support attorney can help you understand your options when it comes to filing for spousal support. This holds true whether you’re filing for interim spousal support or final periodic spousal support. It’s helpful to understand the difference between the two:
- Interim spousal support can be awarded during the divorce process and ends 180 days after a final judgment is made, or sooner or later, depending on the situation. This type of support is requested when a spouse petitions for divorce.
- Final periodic spousal support is requested as a part of the divorce agreement and is awarded after you settle the divorce. It’s an ongoing obligation that could go on indefinitely based on both spouses’ financial situations over time. Parties are allowed to make changes to or terminate these orders, too.
It’s possible to request both interim spousal support and final periodic spousal support. The latter is going to be awarded after the former concludes as a part of the final judgment of the divorce. Any money that a spouse who is seeking spousal support received counts as income. This includes:
- Annuities
- Benefits
- Bonuses and commissions
- Pensions
- Rental income
- Royalties
- Salaries and wages
- Trust income
It can be confusing to understand your rights and options when it comes to requesting spousal support. A Louisiana spousal support attorney can help you identify avenues to receive the support you’re rightfully owed throughout or after the divorce.
Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer
Your attorney can help you if any challenges arise throughout your case. This can be imperative if your spouse is not being cooperative when trying to settle the divorce. Your lawyer can negotiate terms on your behalf and represent you in court if it comes down to that. To top it off, you can rest easy knowing a skilled professional is on your side.
FAQs
What Types of Spousal Support Can Be Ordered in Louisiana?
The types of spousal support that you can be ordered to pay in Louisiana include interim and final periodic spousal support. Interim spousal support is designed to aid throughout the divorce process and typically ends once the divorce is settled. Final periodic spousal support kicks in after the divorce is finalized and can go on until a spouse’s financial situation changes.
How Much Can a Spouse Receive Through Spousal Support in Louisiana?
The exact amount a spouse can receive through spousal support in Louisiana can vary depending on the details of their situation. The court determines the amount to be awarded by considering one spouse’s needs and the other’s ability to offer support. You can expect courts to look at both parties’ earning capacity, financial obligations, income, and tax consequences. It’s helpful to hire a spousal support lawyer to help you fight for the support you deserve.
When Can I File for Spousal Support in Louisiana?
You can file for interim spousal support when the initial Petition for divorce is filed. This type of support is typically awarded during the divorce process and ends soon after everything is settled. Final periodic spousal support is awarded after the divorce is settled and once interim spousal support concludes if a spouse was receiving it. This type of support can go on until the
Do I Have to Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer to Open a Case in Louisiana?
You’re not required to hire a spousal support lawyer to request support or modify an existing order. That said, it can be very helpful to work with a Louisiana spousal support attorney who has experience navigating family law cases. Your attorney can evaluate the situation, investigate the other party, negotiate terms, and represent you in court if it comes down to it.
Louisiana Spousal Support Lawyer
Navigating any type of family law case can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to do everything by yourself. Fortunately, you can hire a spousal support lawyer who understands Louisiana’s alimony laws and can help you navigate your case to reach a fair agreement.
No matter the details of your situation, you can count on a Louisiana spousal support attorney from Longman Jakuback to help you through it. Our team brings years of combined experience working in Louisiana courts on all types of family cases. We’re ready to help you tackle your spousal support case. Contact us to set up a consultation with a trusted lawyer today.
