06/25/2026
Louisiana courts will begin operating under a stronger presumption of equal parenting time when the new child custody law takes effect August 1, 2026.
The law amends Louisiana’s child custody statutes to state that physical custody of a child “shall” be shared equally between parents unless a court determines equal custody is not feasible or is not in the child’s best interest.
Under the previous law, physical custody “should” be shared equally to the extent it was feasible and in the child’s best interest. Supporters said the change strengthens the state’s preference for children maintaining substantial relationships with both parents following a separation or divorce.
House Bill 1239, authored by Rep. Kyle Green Jr., D- Marrero, became Act 605 after passing both the House & Senate unanimously and becoming law without Governor Landry’s signature.
