09/30/2026
“The law changed! My cousin Bubba says he got 50/50, so I should, too.”
Your cousin Bubba’s case isn’t yours. Different parents. Different children. Different situations.
But you are right! Louisiana’s custody laws have changed.
Two major changes took effect August 1, 2026:
1) Equal parenting time has stronger support. When a court awards joint custody, the law now requires equal time unless the judge finds it isn’t practical or isn’t in the child’s best interests.
2) Changing an existing custody order has its own rules. Louisiana put the long standing LA Supreme Court “Bergeron Standard” into written law, with modifications that include a five-year distinction for certain court-decided custody judgments. What you must prove depends on how your order was entered, how old it is, and what’s changed.
There’s a financial piece, too. Moving to shared or equal parenting time can also significantly affect the child support you pay or receive. But 50/50 doesn’t automatically mean nobody pays support. Both parents’ incomes, parenting time, and expenses for the children affect the calculation.
These law changes don’t automatically rewrite your existing custody or support orders. Something has to be filed with the Court and a local Judge has to make a ruling.
That’s why your family needs more than a Google/ AI search or Bubba’s advice. Bring your judgments. Tell us what’s happening. Let’s talk about what these changes actually mean for you and your children.
At Brett K. Duncan & Co., our Attorneys bring more than 20 years of experience helping local families navigate these complex and emotional issues . We know our local courts, what our family court judges look for, and how to prepare a case.
We fight hard for our clients while keeping their children’s safety, stability, and best interests front and center. We recognize that your children have to live with the outcome long after everybody leaves the courthouse.
Call 985-345-0660 to schedule a consultation at our Hammond office.
brettkduncanlaw.com
General information only; not individualized legal advice.
Move toward a brighter tomorrow with the guidance of an experienced family law and criminal defense attorney. Call Brett K. Duncan & Co. in Hammond, Louisiana, at 800-725-6413.