There are three types of spousal support a Louisiana judge may award:
1. Interim support which is awarded during the divorce
2. Periodic support awarded post-divorce when a spouse needs help to achieve financial independence
3. Permanent support which is rarely awarded post-divorce and lasts indefinitely
Interim spousal support may be awarded during a divorce when one spouse is not ready to financially support themselves, mainly if the other spouse was working full-time or paying the household expenses. This type of support ends when the divorce is finalized. Still, it is sometimes extended up to six months post-divorce if a post-divorce support order isn’t awarded.
The most common type of support awarded is periodic support. This type of support is awarded when a lower-earning spouse can become self-supporting financially but needs time and assistance to achieve it. This support may be awarded to a spouse who stayed home during the marriage, perhaps to raise children, and lost valuable work experience.
Permanent spousal support is uncommon. It’s awarded to a spouse who needs financial support indefinitely after a divorce, usually due to advanced age or a disability that prevents them from working.