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Child custody and support in Louisiana

For divorcing parents in Louisiana: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

The short answer

Louisiana law uses the term “custody (joint custody with a domiciliary parent) and visitation” for custody. About the parenting class: Some courts require a co-parenting seminar in custody cases; check with your parish court.

Custody term
Custody (joint custody with a domiciliary parent) and visitation
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support agency
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Child Support Enforcement

Custody terms in Louisiana

Custody (joint custody with a domiciliary parent) and visitation

Mediation

Courts may order mediation of custody and visitation disputes (La. R.S. 9:332), except where there is family violence.

Parenting class in Louisiana

Some courts require a co-parenting seminar in custody cases; check with your parish court.

Child support in Louisiana

Child support follows Louisiana's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.

Good to know

Louisiana has no single no-fault ground: you must live apart 180 days (365 with minor children) (La. Civ. Code art. 103.1).

Children in a Louisiana divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Louisiana's term for custody: custody (joint custody with a domiciliary parent) and visitation.

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if Louisiana requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Louisiana

What is child custody called in Louisiana?

Louisiana uses the term “custody (joint custody with a domiciliary parent) and visitation”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Louisiana divorce?

Some courts require a co-parenting seminar in custody cases; check with your parish court.

Which agency handles child support in Louisiana?

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Child Support Enforcement.

Is mediation required for custody in Louisiana?

Courts may order mediation of custody and visitation disputes (La. R.S. 9:332), except where there is family violence.

More about divorce in Louisiana

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.