As a family-law paralegal and legal template writer with over twelve years of experience drafting custody and co-parenting documents across the United States, I have helped hundreds of parents create clear, workable shared parenting plans—especially in Louisiana, where the term “custody” was officially replaced in 2021 with “custodial designation” and the focus is now heavily on joint custody and detailed parenting plans. In this article, you’ll get a completely free, attorney-vetted sample shared parenting plan template tailored for Louisiana families, plus a complete walkthrough of how to file for custody in Louisiana in 2025–2026.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Family law is highly state-specific. Always consult a licensed Louisiana family law attorney or legal aid organization before filing anything with the court.
Click here to download your FREE Louisiana Shared Parenting Plan Template (Word .docx – updated for 2025)Louisiana law (La. R.S. 9:335 and 9:364 et seq.) strongly favors joint custody unless there is clear evidence of family violence or substance abuse. When parents share joint custody, the court almost always requires a detailed Joint Custody Implementation Order—commonly called a shared parenting plan or custody agreement.
This document spells out physical custody schedules, legal decision-making, holidays, transportation, communication guidelines, and more. Having a solid plan reduces conflict and gives children stability.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 132 and Revised Statute 9:335 list the minimum provisions courts expect:
Below is a real-world example using the exact template I provide to my consulting clients (names changed). You can download the editable Word version using the link above.
| LOUISIANA JOINT CUSTODY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN | |
|---|---|
| Parents | Sarah Johnson (Mother) and Michael Smith (Father) |
| Children | Emma Smith, DOB 03/15/2016 & Noah Smith, DOB 11/22/2018 |
| Physical Custody Schedule | 2-2-3 rotating schedule (Mom: Mon-Tue; Dad: Wed-Thu; alternating Fri-Sun) |
| Holidays (Even/Odd Years) | Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day alternated; Mother’s/Father’s Day with respective parent |
| Summer Vacation | Each parent gets two non-consecutive weeks with 30-day notice |
| Legal Custody | Joint – major decisions by mutual agreement; day-to-day decisions by the parent with physical custody |
| Child Support | $850/month Father → Mother per Louisiana guidelines (attached worksheet) |
If you are married → File a Petition for Divorce (with incidental custody request) under La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 102 or 103.
If never married → File a Petition to Establish Custody under La. R.S. 9:341 et seq.
File in the parish where the child has lived for the last six months (UCCJEA rules). Popular parishes: Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Caddo, Calcasieu.
Average filing fee 2025: $250–$450 depending on parish. In forma pauperis waiver available if income-qualified.
Use sheriff service or private process server (not you personally). Proof of service must be filed.
Within 30–60 days, a hearing officer reviews your plan and makes recommendations. You can object within 10 days and request a judge hearing.
Many parishes mandate at least one mediation session before a judge will hear contested custody.
If you and the other parent agree and sign the plan, the judge usually signs the same day or within weeks.
Q: Is 50/50 custody automatic in Louisiana?
A: No, but courts strongly prefer “shared custody” meaning as close to equal time as practical.
Q: Can I modify the plan later?
A: Yes, with a material change in circumstances (La. Civil Code Art. 142).
Q: Do I need an attorney?
A: Not required, but highly recommended if there is any conflict or family violence history.
After drafting more than 800 Louisiana custody agreements, I can tell you the families that succeed with shared parenting are the ones who put the plan in writing—down to the smallest detail—before emotions run high. Use the free sample shared parenting plan template I provided, customize it to your family’s real schedule, and file it with confidence.
Again, download it here completely free:
Download Free Louisiana Shared Parenting Plan Template (2025–2026)If you need personalized help or want me to review your completed plan, many Louisiana legal aid societies offer free or low-cost consultations. You’ve got this—Louisiana courts want both parents involved, and a solid plan is your first step.
Sources: Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 9, Louisiana Civil Code Articles 131–142, Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services guidelines (dcfs.louisiana.gov), IRS child dependency guidelines referenced for tax provisions in plans.