To provide services, CSE locates parents using data. To have this authority, the program must meet federal laws for due process and security. Once these rules are met, the program will access data from the following:. Custodial parents can apply for Locate-Only services to individually seek paternity or support. Once the parent applies and pays the fee, CSE will attempt to locate the parent. In most situations, the program can only release the last known address and place of employment.
Under Louisiana law, the father of a child born outside of marriage is not responsible for child support until they are found to be the father. This can be done in two ways:. To find out about paternity in Louisiana, please visit the Louisiana Paternity Establishment Program.
Genetic testing is available through CSE at no cost when paternity has not been established. CSE can offer free testing as long as the father works with the agency. However, if the father receives test results and does not agree to sign the AOP or fails to agree to paternity, the department will file a paternity suit. If the department has to file a paternity suit, then the Department will seek repayment of the costs of genetic testing whenever the test shows that the parent is the father.
In Louisiana, the probability of paternity must be A child support order includes the support amount and tells how support should be paid. This amount is based on the income of both parties. For information on calculating support, visit our Calculate Support page. In cases of joint custody, the court must consider the amount of time the child spends with each parent as a basis for adjustment to the amount of child support to be paid during that time. Courts may also require the non-custodial parent to provide health insurance for the child.
If the child is covered by Medicaid, the court must order a cash medical support amount. Child support orders must contain an income assignment order provision. In most instances, the court will order payments to be withheld from income immediately. In rare circumstances where the court determines good cause, the order will be conditional.
