Addressing the Needs
of Your Children

Louisiana provides joint custody of children. However, joint custody does not mean that both parents have equal time with the child or children. Most cases end up with one parent (the domiciliary parent) having primary custody while the other parent has visitation rights.

At Weems, Schimpf, Haines & Moore (APLC), we help people across northwestern Louisiana with a variety of family law matters, including child custody. You can schedule your initial consultation with our knowledgeable lawyers by calling 318-674-4977.

Decisions Affecting Children

Over the last 10 years, Louisiana family law has been moving in the direction of equal parenting rights and providing as much parenting time to each party as possible. In a shared custody arrangement, both parents would have equal amounts of time with the children, but one parent would still have primary custody for decisions affecting the children.

The custodial or domiciliary parent is free to make all decisions affecting the child in the event of a conflict with the other spouse. The decision of the domiciliary parent is presumed to be in the best interests of the child. To overturn the custodial parent’s decision, the noncustodial parent would have to prove in court that the custodial parent’s decision was not in the best interests of the child or children.

Child Support Matters

Child support payments in Louisiana are determined by a formula that considers such factors as the income of each parent and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. The amount of child support can be changed if circumstances change. For example, if the parent who pays child support loses his or her job or is forced to take a lower-paying job, the amount of child support can be reduced.

Relocation of a Minor Child’s Residence

Louisiana has a Relocation of a Minor Child’s Residence statute, which any custodial or domiciliary parent must comply with before a minor child can be moved without the other parent’s consent.

Work With Our Experienced
Child Custody Attorneys

You can schedule your initial consultation with one of our child custody lawyers by contacting the firm. Please call us at 318-222-2100 or send us an email to schedule your consultation.