Louisiana Adoption Laws
By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 05, 2024
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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.
If you’re considering adoption in the state, it’s 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.
Types of Adoption in Louisiana
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 are often facilitated by an attorney.
Foster care adoption provides another avenue. It enables foster parents to offer permanent homes to children within Louisiana's foster care system. Intrafamily adoption allows for the legal adoption of children by family members, such as stepparents, grandparents, or other relatives.
International adoption is also available for families looking to adopt children from foreign countries. This requires navigating both U.S. and international adoption laws.
Louisiana also recognizes open adoption. This permits ongoing contact between adoptive families and birth parents, promoting transparency and continued relationships.
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.
Adoption Laws in Louisiana
States are free to set up their own adoption laws, which can differ from other states. Adoption laws in the state of Louisiana are highlighted in the chart below.
Louisiana Adoption Code Sections |
Louisiana Revised Statutes
|
|---|---|
Who May Be Adopted |
Any child or adult; Special procedures exist to adopt an adult. |
Age at Which the Adoptive Child's Consent Is Required |
Age 12 or older |
Who May Adopt |
Any single person 18 years of age or older, or married couple jointly. |
Home Residency Requirement Prior to Finalization of Adoption |
Six months to one year |
State Agency/Court |
|
Statute of Limitations to Challenge |
|
The Louisiana Adoption Process
In Louisiana, the court adoption process is designed to protect the welfare of the child and uphold the rights of all involved parties. Prospective adoptive parents initiate the process by undergoing a comprehensive home study. This is conducted by a licensed social worker, who assesses the suitability of the adoptive home.
Following this, the prospective parents file an adoption petition with the court. The petition details their adoption plan.
Background checks, including assessments of mental health and histories of child abuse, are conducted to ensure the safety of the adopted child. Birth parents may consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated through a court proceeding.
The court reviews all documentation before issuing a final court order. This order grants legal parental rights to the adoptive parents and facilitates the issuance of a new birth certificate for the adopted child, ensuring a secure and legal foundation for their future in Louisiana.
Get Legal Help With an Adoption
Adoption can be a complicated process. State and federal laws govern adoption. An attorney can help you navigate these laws. They'll review your case, provide helpful legal advice, and advocate for you and your future child. If you would like legal assistance with an adoption case, it's a good idea to speak with a Louisiana adoption attorney and schedule a consultation.
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