Primary law and terminology
La. Civ. Code art. 131-134. In Louisiana, courts generally describe the schedule as a implementation plan. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.
Louisiana · LA
Louisiana Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation
A plain-English reference to Louisiana custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.
Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed Louisiana family-law attorney.
Joint custody and parenting time
Joint custody is presumed absent clear and convincing evidence it is not in the child's best interest.
Child preference
Reasonable preference of a child of sufficient age is a listed factor.
Relocation and move-away cases
La. R.S. 9:355.1 et seq. requires 60 days' notice by certified mail for a move over 75 miles or out of state.
Changing an existing order
The Bergeron standard applies to considered decrees — continuation must be deleterious, or the change clearly better.
Where to file
Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). Louisiana civil law uses 'domiciliary parent' for the primary parent.
Build a workable Louisiana parenting plan
Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.
Louisiana custody questions
What are the custody laws in Louisiana?
Louisiana applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.
Can a parent move with a child in Louisiana?
La. R.S. 9:355.1 et seq. requires 60 days' notice by certified mail for a move over 75 miles or out of state.
How do I change a Louisiana custody order?
The Bergeron standard applies to considered decrees — continuation must be deleterious, or the change clearly better.
More Louisiana family-law resources
Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.
- Parenting plan guides by state
Filing venue, required classes, and the terminology each state's courts use.
- Custody schedule patterns explained
2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, week-on/week-off, and every other common rotation.
- Custody percentage calculator
Count overnights across a full cycle the way state worksheets do.
- Court-ready PDF legal exports
One-click evidence packets for your attorney or a hearing — unlimited and free.
- State-by-state child support estimator
Applies your state's own guideline model to your numbers.