Louisiana § RS 9:315.21 - Retroactivity of child support judgment

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 9:315.21 — Retroactivity of child support judgment, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 9:315.21. Retroactivity of child support judgment

            A. Except for good cause shown, a judgment awarding, modifying, or revoking an interim child support allowance shall be retroactive to the date of judicial demand, but in no case prior to the date of judicial demand.

            B.(1) A judgment that initially awards or denies final child support is effective as of the date the judgment is signed and terminates an interim child support allowance as of that date.

            (2) If an interim child support allowance award is not in effect on the date of the judgment awarding final child support, the judgment shall be retroactive to the date of judicial demand, except for good cause shown, but in no case prior to the date of judicial demand.

            C. Except for good cause shown, a judgment modifying or revoking a final child support judgment shall be retroactive to the date of judicial demand, but in no case prior to the date of judicial demand.

            D. Child support of any kind, except that paid pursuant to an interim child support allowance award, provided by the judgment debtor from the date of judicial demand to the date the support judgment is signed, to or on behalf of the child for whom support is ordered, shall be credited to the judgment debtor against the amount of the judgment.

            E. In the event that the court finds good cause for not making the award retroactive to the date of judicial demand, the court may fix the date on which the award shall commence, but in no case shall this date be a date prior to the date of judicial demand.

            F. Repealed by Acts 2024, No. 448, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.

            Acts 1993, No. 261, §7, eff. Jan. 1, 1994; Acts 2001, No. 459, §1; Acts 2005, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 59, §1, eff. Dec. 6, 2005; Acts 2024, No. 448, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.

NOTE: See Acts 2005, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 59, §2, relative to effectiveness.

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 9:315.21

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 9:315.21 cover?

Section RS 9:315.21 ("Retroactivity of child support judgment") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Louisiana § RS 9:315.21?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 9:315.21" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Louisiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.

How does Louisiana § RS 9:315.21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.