{"id":373615,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:24","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-05T14:08:46","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T19:08:46","slug":"louisiana-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Louisiana Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Louisiana Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Growing your family by adopting a child can be a rewarding experience. The legal requirements surrounding adoption can prove bureaucratic and complex. It can seem impossible for the average Louisiana resident to make heads or tails of the state laws that regulate who can be adopted, by whom, and how.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re considering adoption<\/a> in the state, it\u2019s important to understand Louisiana adoption laws. This will allow you to navigate the adoption process with confidence and best serve the interests of both the child and your family. Read on for a better understanding of adoption in Louisiana.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Adoption in Louisiana<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Adoption in Louisiana presents a range of options tailored to meet the needs of diverse families and circumstances. Prospective adoptive parents can pursue domestic adoption through licensed adoption agencies or opt for private adoption. Private adoptions<\/b> are often facilitated by an attorney.<\/p>\r\n

Foster care adoption<\/b> provides another avenue. It enables foster parents to offer permanent homes to children within Louisiana’s foster care system<\/a>. Intrafamily adoption<\/b> allows for the legal adoption of children by family members, such as stepparents, grandparents, or other relatives.<\/p>\r\n

International adoption<\/b><\/a> is also available for families looking to adopt children from foreign countries. This requires navigating both U.S. and international adoption laws.<\/p>\r\n

Louisiana also recognizes open adoption<\/b>. This permits ongoing contact between adoptive families and birth parents, promoting transparency and continued relationships.<\/p>\r\n

Each adoption type in Louisiana has specific procedures and requirements. This ensures children find secure and nurturing environments while prospective parents navigate the legal aspects of adoption.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption Laws in Louisiana<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

States are free to set up their own adoption laws<\/a>, which can differ from other states. Adoption laws in the state of Louisiana are highlighted in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Louisiana Adoption Code Sections<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Louisiana Revised Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n

Who May Be Adopted<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Any child or adult; Special procedures exist to adopt an adult.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Age at Which the Adoptive Child’s Consent Is Required<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Age 12 or older<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Who May Adopt<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Any single person 18 years of age or older, or married couple jointly.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Home Residency Requirement Prior to Finalization of Adoption<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Six months to one year<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

State Agency\/Court<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Department of Children and Family Services<\/a>\/Juvenile<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Statute of Limitations to Challenge<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n