In Louisiana, the court evaluates a variety of factors when determining the amount and duration of final periodic spousal support (alimony). These factors include:
The income and means of both spouses (including earning potential)
Financial obligations such as debts or child support
The standard of living during the marriage
Duration of the marriage
The age and health of both spouses
The needs of the requesting spouse
Whether one spouse supported the other’s career or education
Marital fault — especially if the spouse seeking alimony was at fault (e.g., adultery, abuse)
Each case is highly individual. Courts assess whether the requesting spouse truly lacks sufficient income or resources and whether the paying spouse can afford support without undue hardship.

No, Louisiana does not use a strict formula or percentage to calculate spousal support like some other states. Judges have broad discretion and base their decision on equitable principles and specific financial information from both parties.
For example, in a 15-year marriage where one spouse has been a homemaker and the other earns $100,000/year, the court may determine that the dependent spouse deserves a monthly payment—but the exact amount will depend on the couple’s expenses, needs, and lifestyle.
That’s why legal representation and detailed financial disclosure are crucial in any alimony determination.

Louisiana is one of the few states that still strongly considers marital fault when awarding final periodic spousal support.
If the spouse seeking support was at fault in the divorce (e.g., committed adultery, physical abuse, abandonment), they may be disqualified from receiving final alimony—even if they are financially needy.
On the other hand, if the paying spouse was at fault, this doesn’t necessarily increase the amount, but it may make it more likely that support will be awarded.
Fault must be proven in court through credible evidence, so this often becomes a significant issue during the divorce trial.

Yes, Louisiana courts consider earning capacity, not just actual income. If the dependent spouse is underemployed by choice or has the ability to earn more based on education or past employment, the court may calculate alimony based on what they should be earning.
This means someone who chooses not to work—or to work part-time—may receive less alimony if the court believes they are capable of self-support through reasonable effort.
Conversely, if the dependent spouse has legitimate health limitations or has been out of the workforce for many years due to caregiving, the court will likely factor in their reduced earning potential.

Generally, the longer the marriage, the stronger the case for longer-term spousal support. Courts are more likely to award alimony in marriages that lasted 10 years or more, especially where one spouse sacrificed a career or educational opportunities.
For short-term marriages (under 5 years), spousal support is rarely awarded unless the requesting spouse is disabled or unable to work.
In long-term marriages (15+ years), the court may even consider indefinite support, particularly if the recipient is older and less employable.

As of 2025, federal tax law still follows the rules set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2019:
Alimony payments are not tax-deductible for the payer
Recipients do not include alimony as taxable income
This applies to divorce decrees finalized after January 1, 2019.
However, alimony may still affect tax brackets for both parties. For example, if you’re paying alimony, your available income for taxes is reduced, even though you can’t deduct it. It’s a financial factor to consider when negotiating settlements.

No. Alimony in Louisiana is not automatic. The requesting spouse must prove:
They lack sufficient income or means for support
The other spouse has the ability to pay
(For final support) They were not at fault in the marital breakdown
In many cases, couples may agree to waive alimony in a prenuptial agreement or divorce settlement. Courts only get involved when parties cannot agree or when a valid request is filed.

Yes. The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage is one of the major factors Louisiana courts consider. If a couple lived a lavish lifestyle with regular travel, private schools, or luxury housing, the dependent spouse may receive higher support to maintain a reasonable portion of that lifestyle.
However, the court must also ensure that the paying spouse can afford these payments without jeopardizing their own well-being.
This is particularly important in high-net-worth divorces, where lifestyle maintenance becomes a central argument.

Yes. Louisiana allows for both types of alimony:
Interim support: Temporary payments during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their status quo.
Final periodic support: Long-term or permanent support awarded after divorce.
The amount of final support may differ from interim support, as courts reassess financial conditions after the divorce is finalized.
Importantly, final support is more difficult to qualify for, due to the fault requirement and stricter standards.

To make a strong case for (or against) alimony, both parties should prepare the following:
Recent tax returns (last 2–3 years)
Pay stubs or income proof
Monthly budgets and living expenses
Debt and loan statements
Asset and property records
Evidence of fault (texts, emails, police reports) – if relevant
Providing clear, honest, and complete financial records helps the judge determine need, ability to pay, and whether the legal thresholds are met.