Overview of Louisiana Adoption Laws

The decision to place a baby for adoption is never easy, but it is a positive one that comes from a place of love. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Louisiana, you may be considering this path. As you contemplate adoption, you may be researching the Louisiana adoption laws. You have come to the right place.

Adoption laws can be quite complex, and they vary by state. The adoption laws in Louisiana may not be the same as the adoption laws in surrounding states. Choosing to work with an adoption agency in Louisiana means having access to a team of adoption attorneys that can help you. These professionals are familiar with Louisiana adoption laws and will ensure your adoption is handled safely, legally, and smoothly.

If you are looking for more information about Louisiana adoption laws, keep reading. In this short guide, we will share what to know before beginning the Louisiana adoption process.

Who Can Adopt in Louisiana?

According to Louisiana adoption laws, those looking to adopt must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• If married, file to adopt jointly with spouse
• Have proof of legal residency or citizenship status
• Complete the Home Study

The Home Study is a process that takes several months to complete and ensures that each child is placed in a safe, stable, and loving home. It includes thorough screening and background check. It also includes several at-home visits and interviews with each person living in the house, and a thorough review of important medical and financial records. With the Home Study, each child is placed with an adoptive family that is healthy enough – physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially – to raise a child.

Are There Expenses for Birth Parents in Louisiana?

According to Louisiana adoption laws, expectant/birth parents choosing adoption have the right to supportive services and financial expenses. These are expenses that are impacted by pregnancy and birth. Adoptive parents may compensate for the following:

• Living expenses for the mother until 45 days after the baby’s birth
• Court costs, including attorney fees and travel expenses related to the child’s adoption
• Counseling services before and after the adoption
• Medical care, from the hospital fees to prenatal care and testing deemed medically necessary for the health of the mother and child.

It is important to note that, while adoption laws in Louisiana allow these services to be compensated, it is illegal for an adoptive family to offer money or anything of value in exchange for the child.

Adoptions With Love offers expectant/birth mothers financial assistance that can alleviate the stress that comes with an unplanned pregnancy. This financial assistance includes a deposit and several months of rent, utilities, phone bills, and even maternity clothes, as needed.

We can also help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable. We cover all uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth, as needed.

Our team of compassionate counselors is available for Louisiana birth mothers before and after the adoption is complete. These professionals are available around the clock and can emotionally support you throughout the adoption journey.

Adoptions With Love also offers Louisiana birth mothers a team of adoption attorneys that will help you understand the adoption process and ensure your rights as a birth parent are protected.

With a team of adoption professionals by your side, you can custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs and helps you feel confident in your adoption decision. You can also choose the adoptive parent(s) for your child. Beyond adoption, we offer ongoing support to birth mothers for years to come.

Speak With Louisiana Adoption Professionals

How Does Consent to Adoption Work in Louisiana?

According to Louisiana adoption laws, birth fathers may consent to adoption at any time – before or after the birth of their child. This consent may be revoked, but only until the fifth day after the child’s birth. The birth mother must also give consent; but she must wait at least five days following the baby’s birth. This gives you time to meet your child and consider your decision before making it official. Adoptions With Love encourages all birth mothers to take as much time as they need before consenting to the adoption. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

Birth father consent is typically handled on a case-by-case basis. It is best to consult your Louisiana adoption agency about your relationship with the birth father to best understand whether consent is needed by the birth father.

Before a birth parent can consent to the adoption, they must complete two counseling sessions with a medical health professional. Adoptions With Love offers counseling services – at no cost to the expectant/birth mother – with highly-trained, compassionate professionals. The service is offered 24/7 – before and up to a year after the adoption is complete.

Learn More About Adoption Laws in Louisiana

If you want to learn even more about adoption laws in Louisiana, reach out to Adoptions With Love today. Call 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can offer you commitment-free information and help guide you through the adoption journey every step of the way.