Lafayette Spousal Support & Alimony Attorneys
In Louisiana, alimony isn’t automatically granted in every divorce case. Whether it’s awarded depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial circumstances, and their respective needs. Courts evaluate the specifics of each case to determine whether alimony is appropriate and, if so, what the amount and duration should be.
If you believe you’re owed alimony, you must formally request it through the court. If you’re the intended payor, you must contest your spouse’s request through the court. When parties can’t agree, the matter requires judicial intervention.
At LeJeune & Associates, we represent individuals on both sides of these disputes in Lafayette and throughout Acadiana. Whether you’re seeking support or contesting it, we build evidence-backed arguments to advance your position. Our family law attorney has over a decade of legal experience protecting individual rights and crafting strategies that serve our clients’ best interests. We’ve been serving Acadiana since 1999, and we’re committed to helping you pursue a fair resolution.
Connect with LeJeune & Associates at (337) 607-1908 or contact us online for a case assessment with an attorney. We serve clients throughout Acadiana.
Why Spousal Support Cases in Lafayette Require an Attorney
Louisiana provides no statutory formula for calculating spousal support. A judge exercises broad discretion, and the outcome turns on how well each party presents their financial picture and legal arguments. Trying to navigate that process without representation can put you at a real disadvantage, whether you’re seeking an award or contesting one.
We evaluate the specifics of your case and offer honest insight into whether you may be awarded support or required to pay it, and what amounts may be involved. We stay current on changes to Louisiana family law, including updates to the Civil Code provisions that govern spousal support, so you don’t run into procedural pitfalls or avoidable errors. And if circumstances change after an initial order is entered, we can help you gather the financial records and make the arguments needed in modification proceedings.
Louisiana family law is complex, and the stakes in a spousal support dispute are real. Our knowledge and steady guidance can help you stay focused when the process feels overwhelming.
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Honest Feedback from People We’ve Helped
-
"They have treated us like family."They have time and time again gone above and beyond for our case and prove that no matter what they will always give 110%!- Shelby A.
-
"They really went the extra mile for me."I was recommended to Mr. Clay LeJeune Law Firm by a family member. After contacting and set up a meeting he was very willing and went out his way to help me get my legal situation taken care.- Derek C.
-
"I recommend Clay LeJeune to any person who need professional service."Clay LeJeune went out of his way to provide me with the best law service, and deepest compliance to fix what was unjustly brought against me. I recommend Clay LeJeune to any person who need professional service. Thank you Clay LeJeune for all of your help and assistance.- Winnie B.
-
"I would definitely recommend this law firm."So where do I begin. Attorney Clay is extremely intelligent, he knows what he is talking about for sure, gives you best advice, won't waste your time or money. He jumped on my case immediately. The whole staff is very friendly and just wonderful, Amanda is awesome. I would definitely recommend this law firm.- Rachel H.
-
"Words cannot express how grateful we are for Mr. LeJeune and his staff."From day one he was on top of our case and showed us compassion. If you're looking for results Clay LeJeune is your Attorney!- Stephanie L.
-
"He saved my career, livelihood, and in some ways it feels like my life."
I owe Mr. Clay so much. He saved my career, livelihood, and in some ways it feels like my life. Not to mention kept me out of prison. My family and I are so very much grateful for him and his staff. It’s tough dealing with criminal charges but I was found some relief when he said that he wasn’t worried and that I shouldn’t be until he was. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else in Acadiana.
- Gabriel M. -
"A top notch attorney."I highly recommend! Best criminal defense attorney in this area for sure. His staff is so helpful and so supportive. Always there when you need them and will protect you and your future.- Tonya C.
-
"They have my business for LIFE."
Through this process they always kept me up to date on what was going on with my case and never left me wondering what was happening next.
- Shannon D.
Types of Alimony in Louisiana
Louisiana law recognizes two types of spousal support:
- Interim spousal support – Temporary support awarded during divorce proceedings and for a limited period after the divorce is finalized. It’s designed to give the lower-earning spouse time to complete education or training, or to find gainful employment.
- Final periodic support – An ongoing support obligation awarded when one spouse has no practical path to maintaining the marital standard of living through their own earnings. This is generally rare and more common in cases involving significant income disparities, older spouses, or longer marriages.
Alimony is only considered if a spouse formally requests it during the case. Requesting it doesn’t guarantee it will be granted, only that the judge will evaluate the claim.
Determining Interim Spousal Support
When evaluating a request for interim spousal support, Louisiana judges consider:
- The standard of living shared during the marriage
- The requesting spouse’s circumstances and needs after the divorce
- The paying spouse’s ability to provide support
- Any additional obligations, such as child support or custody
Under Article 113(A) of the Louisiana Civil Code, interim support orders generally last no more than 180 days from the date of the final divorce judgment. The requesting spouse can seek an extension, but must show good cause, and the determination is entirely within the judge’s discretion.
Determining Final Periodic Spousal Support
Final periodic spousal support is governed by a stricter standard. Under Article 112(A) of the Louisiana Civil Code, three conditions must all be met:
- The requesting spouse needs the support
- The paying spouse has a continuous ability to pay
- The requesting spouse was not “at fault” for the divorce
Fault is often a central and contested issue in these cases. Louisiana courts don’t require the requesting spouse to be entirely blameless, but any misconduct that directly caused the marriage to fail can disqualify them from receiving final periodic support. Importantly, this isn’t limited to the statutory grounds for a fault-based divorce, such as domestic violence or marital infidelity. Any conduct that drove the collapse of the marriage may be enough.
For paying spouses, Louisiana law caps final periodic support at one-third of their net income. That cap doesn’t apply, however, when the divorce was filed on grounds of physical or sexual abuse, a protective order was issued, or the court found that domestic violence occurred. In those circumstances, the court has discretion to exceed the one-third limit.