Louisiana Child Support

No, they can't.

The person receiving support payments does not have to claim the funds as income. The person making the support payments cannot deduct those payments on their tax forms.

No such program exists in Louisiana.

Tax returns can be seized in collaboration with the IRS if support payments are not being made.

A father can sign an affidavit acknowledging that he is the father of the child at the time of birth. Attorneys from Child Support Enforcement can file a paternity suit requesting that the court determine paternity if a father denies paternity.

There are no rights or obligations until paternity is established.

Louisiana court can order genetic testing if the mother refuses a paternity test.

A family member can step in to have a DNA test performed.

Genetic testing cannot be done legally without the consent of a primary legal guardian.

An acknowledgment or affidavit of paternity (AOP) can be signed at the hospital within 72 hours of the child's birth, or at the local health department. Both the mother and the father must sign the affidavit in Louisiana. Within 60 days of the signing the affidavit, however, anyone who is entitled to file a paternity case can file a case and ask for genetic testing.

Yes, child support can be modified in Louisiana. 

A modification can be requested in Louisiana at any time.

It is possible for the custodial or non-custodial parent to request a review if changes have occurred regarding a parent's circumstances or finances.

Yes. A review must be requested if there is evidence that an error has occurred or if appropriate action was not taken on a case. The review will determine if all actions taken have been in compliance with all laws and regulations.

No. However, legal representation is always recommended.

The enforcement entities in Louisiana receive information from the Federal Parent Locator Service. This resource provides information regarding people receiving Social Security and Veteran pensions. Louisiana is also a member of the Electronic Parent Locate Network (EPLN). Custodial parents can pay a $10 fee and provide the Social Security number of the non-custodial parent to have a search conducted. The state also works with the IRS to locate a delinquent parent's income or assets. A timetable for when enforcement will take place depends on whether a non-custodial parent needs to be located and the particulars of establishing paternity.

A caseworker should be notified.

You may have earnings and paychecks taken and face having your federal and state tax refunds intercepted. Motor vehicle registration can be suspended and a passport can be denied. Occupational and professional licenses can also be suspended. You may even face contempt of court hearings.

Felony charges can apply when support is overdue by two years or totals more than $10,000.

Louisiana is one of the rare states with a 10-year statute of limitations for collecting unpaid support.

This can only be done by appealing an order or requesting a hearing.

When a custodial parent no longer has custody or if a minor child becomes emancipated.

A custodial parent can close a case once a judge has signed off on the decision.

Once a child reaches the legal age when support ends or if some other qualifying circumstance occurs.

18 years old under normal circumstances. However, an obligation will persist if a child is attending secondary school on a full-time basis up until the age of 19.