Louisiana · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Louisiana

What Louisiana law says about alimony: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

The short answer

In Louisiana, alimony is called spousal support. Interim support may be ordered while the case is pending.

What Louisiana calls it
spousal support
Property division
Community property
Law
La. Civ. Code arts. 111, 112.

When Louisiana courts can order alimony

  • Interim support may be ordered while the case is pending.
  • Final periodic support is available to a spouse who was not at fault before filing and is in need, based on factors like income, earning capacity, custody, health, age and length of the marriage.

Amount, limits and length

It can't exceed one-third of the paying spouse's net income, except in domestic-abuse cases, where the victim is presumed entitled and the cap doesn't apply.

Law: La. Civ. Code arts. 111, 112.

Good to know

Final spousal support is capped at one-third of the payer's net income unless there was domestic abuse (La. Civ. Code art. 112).

Alimony and property in Louisiana

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Community property
The rule
Property acquired during the marriage is community property, owned equally. When the community ends, it is partitioned so each spouse gets property of equal net value. Property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance is usually separate.

How to ask for alimony in Louisiana

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    You ask for alimony in the divorce case itself, in your petition or in your response to your spouse's petition. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Louisiana courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    Can't afford it? Ask to proceed in forma pauperis (without paying costs in advance) by filing an affidavit of poverty under La. Code Civ. Proc. arts.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Courts may order mediation of custody and visitation disputes (La. R.S. 9:332), except where there is family violence.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Louisiana

How does alimony work in Louisiana?

Called spousal support. Interim support may be ordered while the case is pending. Final periodic support is available to a spouse who was not at fault before filing and is in need, based on factors like income, earning capacity, custody, health, age and length of the marriage. It can't exceed one-third of the paying spouse's net income, except in domestic-abuse cases, where the victim is presumed entitled and the cap doesn't apply.

How much alimony is paid in Louisiana, and for how long?

It can't exceed one-third of the paying spouse's net income, except in domestic-abuse cases, where the victim is presumed entitled and the cap doesn't apply.

Is Louisiana a community property state?

Yes. Property acquired during the marriage is community property, owned equally. When the community ends, it is partitioned so each spouse gets property of equal net value. Property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance is usually separate.

More about divorce in Louisiana

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.