Louisiana’s Act 789: A Bold Step Forward for Families & Kids
- Celeste Hall
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Let’s talk custody battles: historically messy, stressful, and often unfairly tilted toward one parent. But Louisiana’s Act 789 is shaking things up, setting shared parenting as the new standard, effective as of August 1, 2024, making sure kids stay connected to both parents post-divorce.
Gone are the old-school days where courts assumed one parent—usually mom—should handle the bulk of parenting. Act 789 flips the script, making joint custody the default unless there's clear evidence another arrangement would serve the child better. It's not just fair—it’s about giving kids the best chance to thrive.
Real-Life Impact & Early Trends
Historically, Louisiana dads often got less time with their kids after divorce—sometimes averaging as low as 25% parenting time. Act 789 pushes against this trend, aiming to increase parental involvement significantly.
Already, attorneys across Louisiana notice more families walking away with balanced schedules like week-on/week-off arrangements. This means more dads (and moms!) actively involved in everyday life, from school events and doctor's appointments to weekend soccer games.
Need Legal Help?
If you're considering your options or wondering how to get custody of a child, it's crucial to have strong legal support. Searching "child custody lawyers near me" is a good start, but choosing the right lawyer who understands the new law and can strategically guide you through the process is essential.
Embracing the Change
Act 789 sends a strong message: both parents matter, and kids win when families work together. For parents navigating divorce, this law encourages cooperation over conflict, stability over chaos, and shared responsibility over one-sided parenting.
At Johnson Carroll Law, we’re excited about this bold step forward. It aligns perfectly with our belief that effective solutions aren’t just creative—they’re strategic, purposeful, and built around the unique needs of every family we serve.
Louisiana families deserve clear, strategic, and balanced parenting solutions. Act 789 delivers exactly that.
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