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Louisiana Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in Louisiana without having to pay high attorney fees. We make it possible to file and your own adoption. We never sell "automated" adoption forms, only documents prepared by an experienced adoption specialist. Our experienced Louisiana adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Louisiana handles your case.
- Every customer is backed by our 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee.
- We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the Louisiana adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Louisiana court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Louisiana adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Louisiana.
When we prepare your Louisiana adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Documents we prepare for one family will be different than the documents for another family, because circumstances are different. We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in Louisiana. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Louisiana Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
With References to the Louisiana Children’s Code (Ch.C.), Title XI
Louisiana has a unique legal framework for adoptions, largely governed by Title XI of the Louisiana Children’s Code (Ch.C. art. 1101–1269 for minor adoptions) and related provisions for adult adoption. Below is an overview of requirements, consent rules, and timelines for both stepparent and adult adoptions in the Pelican State.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: While Louisiana law (see Ch.C. art. 1177 on venue) does not impose a strict “6-month” residency rule, at least one petitioner (the adopting parent) or the child typically must have a significant connection to Louisiana—i.e., actually residing in the state—for the local court to have jurisdiction.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions are generally filed in the district court (Juvenile or Family Court division, if applicable) of the parish where the adoptive parent, adoptee, or the child’s birth parent resides.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Louisiana
A stepparent adoption creates a legal parent-child relationship between the stepparent and the child, generally terminating the absent parent’s rights once finalized. Key statutes can be found in Ch.C. art. 1191–1192 (consent requirements) and art. 1243–1256 (intrafamily adoptions).
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Rule: Under Ch.C. art. 1193, all living legal parents must typically consent to the adoption.
- Exception—Abandonment or Failure to Support: If the absent parent has failed to communicate or pay child support for a specified period (often 6 months or more) and meets other criteria under Ch.C. art. 1245, the court may terminate their parental rights, allowing the adoption to proceed without that parent’s formal consent.
- Unknown Whereabouts: You must make a diligent effort to locate the absent parent. If unsuccessful, the court may require notice by publication before the adoption can be granted.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children 12 and Older: Although Louisiana law does not fix one absolute age, Ch.C. art. 1193(5) generally requires that a child 12 years or older must give written or in-court consent to the adoption unless the judge waives this requirement for good cause.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Complete a Petition for Intrafamily Adoption (for stepparent cases) in the district court of the relevant parish.
- Service & Notice: Serve the absent parent if they can be located. If not, seek court approval for notice by publication.
- Possible Investigation: Some Louisiana courts may order a brief investigation or background check, though intrafamily (stepparent) adoptions often receive an abbreviated review under Ch.C. art. 1253.
- Final Hearing: If uncontested, the adoption hearing is usually brief. Stepparent adoptions often finalize within 3–6 months, depending on court schedules and any contested issues.
- Judgment of Adoption: Once granted, the judge signs the final decree (sometimes called a Judgment of Adoption), legally establishing the stepparent’s parental status.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
Following the final judgment, you can request a new birth certificate from the Louisiana Vital Records Registry (part of the Department of Health), which will list the adoptive parent and any updated name for the child. The original record is then sealed and accessible only by court order (see Ch.C. art. 1270).
3. Adult Adoption in Louisiana
Adult adoptions are typically governed by Ch.C. art. 1271 and following, though some provisions of Title XI may apply by analogy. Because there is no parental rights termination involved, adult adoptions tend to be simpler.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: The adult adoptee must voluntarily agree to be adopted. Biological parents do not need to consent once the adoptee is over 18.
- Filing the Petition: You’ll file an Adult Adoption Petition in the district court of the parish where either party resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Streamlined Proceedings: Adult adoptions often finalize in 45–90 days, assuming all paperwork is correct and uncontested.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adoptee can request a name change as part of the adoption decree.
- Amended Birth Certificate: An adult adoptee may obtain an amended birth certificate showing the adoptive parent’s name, though this is a choice—some adults prefer not to alter the original record unless needed for inheritance or other legal purposes.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the absent parent remain liable for child support after a stepparent adoption?
- Generally, once the adoption is finalized and parental rights are terminated, the absent parent’s obligation to pay child support ends, unless a prior court order states otherwise.
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to decide if there are statutory grounds—such as abandonment or failure to support—to terminate the absent parent’s rights under Ch.C. art. 1245 or related provisions. If abandonment is proven, the adoption can still be granted despite objections.
- Is a formal home study required for stepparent adoptions?
- Many intrafamily (stepparent) adoptions in Louisiana are exempt from extensive home study requirements, though the court may request a limited assessment to confirm the adoption is in the child’s best interests.
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THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN LOUISIANA
The court wants the child to have the unity and security of a two-parent home, and when the absent parent is not active in the child’s life, then the court will do the adoption without the consent of the other parent. If the other parent is willing to sign a consent, that will make the adoption easier, but if the absent parent has abandoned the child, then you can do the adoption without the father’s consent.
Louisiana Stepparent & Adult Adoption.
You no longer need to spend thousands on an attorney to complete your adoption. We give you the power to complete your own stepparent or adult adoption. We help you through all the stages of the adoption process, until the adoption is finalized and a new birth certificate is issued for the adoptee.
We understand what the courts need in Louisiana to finalized an adoption, and will make sure that you have everything you need to have your adoption successfully processed and finalized by the court.
To get started, click the buttons our site that says "Start your Adoption". This will take you to our questionnaire which provides our legal department the information needed to complete the legal documents for your Louisiana adoption.
FACT: The documents we prepare for your family will be different from what we prepare for another family. This is because the adoption forms are prepared specifically for your situation. This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire.
Once you submit your order, our team will prepare your Louisiana adoption forms and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court. Then our support department will stay with you through the entire adoption process.
COMPLETING AN ADOPTION IN LOUISIANA
We have helped thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Whether it is a stepparent adoption or adult adoption, we can make it possible for you to complete your adoption without having to pay high attorney fees. No matter your situation, whether the father's identity is unknown, or any other issue, we will be able to help guide you through the adoption process in Louisiana.
Giving you the power to complete your adoption.
Courts understand that it is in the child's best interest to have two active and legal parents. When one parent is not active in the child's life, the court will do what is best for the child, and approve an adoption, with consent or proper grounds, upon the submission of the proper legal adoption documents.
We have seen every possible situation, and can help all of these families complete the adoption. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed!
Don't let the high cost of an attorney stop you from completing your stepparent or adult adoption. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR LOUISIANA ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Louisiana adoption forms. Our experienced Louisiana adoption team will prepare your filing documents and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court.
SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your Louisiana adoption forms, and file with the court. Our step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process.
Court Experience
With more than 100,000 court document prepared over the past 20 years, we have the experience to make sure your Louisiana adoption papers are correct.
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Our Louisiana adoption department will make sure your documents are ready to file. We will prepare your document right - All for $325 (You will also have a court filing fee that you will pay later to the Court).
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Our detailed instructions make the adoption process simple.
