Source: https://haroldweiser.com/family-divorce-attorney/louisiana-adoption-laws/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 06:30:52+00:00

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Louisiana adoption laws allow the parties to have differing rules int the adoption of the children. There are two types of adoptions that are typical in Louisiana: A) Inter-family Adoptions – which are when a family member by blood or marriage is adopting the child; and B) Regular Adoptions – which consists of a child being given a whole new family after the birth parents have waived their rights to the child. Below is a brief outline of Louisiana adoption laws.
The purpose of this Title is to promote the permanent placement of available children into suitable homes through the procedures described herein.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
Except as otherwise specified in this Title, all provisions of the Children’s Code remain applicable.
(1) “Agency” or “child placing agency” includes the Department of Social Services, the corresponding department of any other state, and those private agencies and institutions licensed for the placement of children for adoption by the Department of Social Services or by the corresponding department of any other state.
(2) “Birth certificate” means the child’s official birth certificate or a true copy of a prefiled version of the birth certificate in the event the official birth certificate has not been issued.
(2.1) “Broker” means any person who, for compensation or the expectation of compensation, obtains or offers to obtain a child for adoption from a third party.
(3) “Child” means a person under seventeen years of age and not emancipated by marriage.
(4) “Department” means the Louisiana Department of Social Services.
(5) “Putative father registry” means the Louisiana putative father registry established in Part I-C of Chapter 1 of Code Title VII of Code Book I of Title 9 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, comprised of R.S. 9:400 and 400.1.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
B. The procedures governing each type of adoption are set forth in the following Articles.
Except when the child is the stepchild, grandchild, sibling, niece, or nephew of one of the prospective adopting parents, no child who is the subject of a private adoption shall be placed in the home of the prospective adoptive parents prior to their either obtaining a current certification for adoption, as provided for in Articles 1171 through 1173, or by their obtaining a current order of a court of competent jurisdiction approving the adoptive placement, as provided for in Articles 1175 through 1177.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2003, No. 567, §1.
Any person qualified to adopt a child pursuant to Article 1221 may request a licensed agency, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist to conduct a preplacement home study for the purpose of obtaining a certification for adoption.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §9, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 486, §5, eff. June 21, 2001.
(1) The rules and regulations governing the licensing of adoption agencies relative to preplacement home studies, specifically adoptive home studies, notification regarding application, access to records, updating home studies, review procedures, and adoptive parents’ records, to the extent that such provisions are compatible with procedural laws governing private surrenders and adoptions.
(2) Such study shall be conducted by a social worker in the employ of a licensed agency, a social worker, or a licensed professional counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, except that a prospective adoptive parent who is domiciled outside the state shall obtain a preplacement home study in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2 of Title XVI.
(3) A certification for adoption issued after a favorable preplacement home study shall be completed or brought current within twelve months next preceding the placement of a child with the adoptive parents.
B. The sheriff and department shall conduct and accord priority to requests for a criminal records check for all federal and state arrests and convictions and validated complaints of child abuse or neglect, respectively, in this or any other state of each prospective adoptive parent, and shall provide a certificate indicating all information discovered or that no information has been found, all in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the department.
C. The department shall promulgate and submit for approval such rules and regulations governing placement home studies in private adoptions in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act no later than October 1, 1991, and such rules and regulations shall become effective upon its publication in the Louisiana Register.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §9, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 486, §5, eff. June 21, 2001; Acts 2003, No. 567, §1.
A. If the preplacement home study is favorable, the professional who conducted it shall issue a preplacement certification for adoption to the prospective adoptive parents.
B. The preplacement certification for adoption shall be valid for a minimum of two years.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
Prospective adoptive parents who have not previously obtained a certification for adoption may apply for a court order approving the placement of a child in their home.
(1) The name, address, age, occupation, and marital status of the prospective adoptive parents.
(2) The expected date of the child’s placement.
(3) The relationship between the child and the prospective adoptive parents, if any.
(4) The name of the child whose placement is requested, if known.
B. An application for court approval of adoptive placement shall be filed with the clerk of a court of appropriate venue as authorized by Article 1180.
A. The application for court approval of adoptive placement shall be set for hearing in chambers, confidentially, and in a summary manner within forty-eight hours of its filing.
(1) Their moral fitness, previous criminal records or validated complaints of child abuse or neglect, if any.
(2) Their mental and physical health.
(3) Their financial capacity and disposition to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other material needs.
(4) Their capacity and disposition to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to undertake the responsibilities of becoming the child’s parents.
(5) The adequacy of the physical environment of their home and neighborhood for the placement of the child.
(6) The names and ages of other family members who would reside with the child in the prospective adoptive home and their attitude toward the proposed adoption.
(7) The stability and permanence, as a family unit, of the proposed adoptive home.
A. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court shall render an order approving or disapproving the placement of the child with the prospective adoptive parents.
B. The order shall be in writing, dated, and signed by the court and shall authorize adoptive placement of a child at any time within a period of twelve months from its date.
C. A certified copy of a court order approving the adoptive placement shall be given to the prospective adoptive parents.
D. Any order disapproving the adoptive placement shall include specific reasons therefor.
E. Subsequent to the entry of an order approving an adoptive placement, if the result of a criminal records check or the results of abuse or neglect validated complaint records check indicate that the prospective adoptive parents failed to disclose such unfavorable information at the hearing, the court may issue an instanter order taking protective custody of the child, pursuant to Article 619, if this information, if known, together with other evidence presented at the hearing would have resulted in the court’s disapproval of the adoptive placement.
A. Appeal from an order disapproving the adoptive placement shall be by trial de novo in the court of appeal, based upon the criteria set out in Article 1177.
B. The appeal shall be heard in chambers, confidentially, in a summary manner, and within forty-eight hours of its filing.
(1) The juvenile court in the parish of the domicile of the petitioner.
(2) The juvenile court in the parish of the domicile of the custodian of the child.
(3) The juvenile court in the parish in which a voluntary act of surrender has been executed with respect to the child to be adopted.
(4) The juvenile court in which the child has been adjudicated a child in need of care or in which the child in need of care proceeding is pending.
(5) The juvenile court which previously terminated parental rights of a parent with respect to the child to be adopted.
B. An attorney at law named as representative of the prospective adoptive parent shall not be deemed the legal custodian of the child for purposes of proper jurisdiction or venue.
C. Upon filing of the act of voluntary surrender approved by the court according to Article 1131(C), the court of competent venue and jurisdiction wherein the surrender is filed shall have exclusive, original jurisdiction over all issues of custody and adoption of the child during the pendency of the proceedings, unless the child is in the custody of the Department of Social Services.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 910, §1.
The clerks of court shall keep separate indices of all suits filed in accordance with this Title, and shall index these suits in the name of the parties filing the petition and in the name of the child to be adopted.
A. Whenever an interlocutory decree of adoption has been granted, the clerk of court shall forward a certified copy of the decree to the Department of Social Services.
B. Whenever a final decree of adoption has been granted with regard to a child born in Louisiana, the clerk of court shall forward, on a form supplied by the Department of Social Services, a certificate of the decree to the state registrar of vital records.
The clerk of court shall prepare, within ten days after a decree of annulment of adoption becomes final, a certificate of the decree of annulment on forms furnished by the state registrar of vital records. On or before the fifteenth day of each month, the clerk shall forward any certificates prepared by him during the preceding calendar month to the state registrar of vital records.
All adoption proceedings shall be heard by the judge in chambers, and no one shall be admitted to the hearings except the parties in interest, their attorneys, and officers of the court. The court, in its discretion, may grant the request of a petitioner to permit others to be present at the hearing.
No one except the judge presiding in the case, his successor, or a curator ad hoc, as provided for in Article 1191, shall have access to the confidential reports rendered to the court pursuant to this Title. Following final disposition of an adoption case, all confidential reports submitted by the department to the judge shall be retained in the court’s confidential adoption record.
A. All adoption records shall be retained in confidential files and it shall be unlawful for anyone except the biological or adopting parent to disclose any information concerning any individual adoption case, except upon order of the court, after giving proper notice as required in Article 1190 or as otherwise authorized by this Code, or for purposes directly connected with an adoption agency’s responsibilities in relation to adoption work as permitted by its rules and regulations.
B. If the agency, firm, or lawyer ceases to do business in this state, it shall transfer its adoption records to the Department of Social Services or another transferee approved by the department. Thereafter, the transferee shall ensure the preservation and confidentiality of records required by Paragraph A.
C. Any person who violates this requirement of confidentiality shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2003, No. 812, §1.
All court records of adoption proceedings shall be confidential and shall not be open to inspection except on written authorization by the court and there shall be no publication thereof.
A. An adopted child or, if still a minor, his legal representative on his behalf, may file a petition for disclosure of information pertaining to his adoption. The action shall be styled: “In re the Adoption of ___________”.
B. This action and the limited medical exception provision of Article 1127 shall be the exclusive means for gaining access to records of adoptions whether maintained by this court, some other court, an adoption agency, any state agency, or private individual, notwithstanding provisions of law to the contrary.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 1108, §1.
(1) That there are inheritance rights which are or may be due from his biological parents under Civil Code Article 214.
(2) By proof that there is a medical necessity requiring information about his biological family or his own preadoption health history in order to treat the petitioner or his descendants.
(3) By proof that both he and a person reasonably believed to be his biological parent or biological sibling have registered with the department pursuant to Chapter 15 of this Title.
(4) That such information is otherwise required to be disclosed by federal or state law.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 715, §1.
A. Upon reviewing a petition for disclosure on grounds of either inheritance rights or medical necessity, the court may deny it for lack of a proper showing of compelling necessity. Before granting a petition, the court may appoint a curator ad hoc and shall set the petition for a hearing.
B. Written notice of the date, time, and place of any disclosure proceedings shall be served and a return made in the same manner as a petition on any custodian of records sought to be disclosed at least fifteen days prior to the hearing.
C. A petition seeking information to verify a match of voluntary registration pursuant to Chapter 15 of this Title or other information required by law to be disclosed shall be granted. The court may appoint a curator ad hoc to open and review the adoption record and original birth certificate. The curator shall report back to the court with his findings within thirty days of the date of his acceptance of his appointments.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2003, No. 812, §1.
(1) Securing all records pertaining to the petitioner’s request through subpoenas duces tecum or other discovery process, if necessary.
(2) Reviewing all records pertaining to the adoption.
(3) Reporting to the court any objections to disclosure which he may have received from a custodian of records.
(4) After the records review is completed, recommending the granting or denial of the petitioner’s request and particularizing the necessary scope of any disclosure order for the court’s consideration.
B. A person proceeding in forma pauperis shall receive the services of the curator ad hoc without having to pay the curator’s fees. However, in all cases, the curator shall be entitled to a reasonable fee for his services, and the court shall fix the fee commensurate with the services performed.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; revised Louisiana adoption laws Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992.
After hearing the petitioner, the court may order disclosure to the extent necessary to satisfy the petitioner’s demonstrated ground for disclosure. Insofar as possible, an order disclosing information from the court’s own records or any records obtained by the curator ad hoc shall contain nonidentifying information about the biological family. If identifying information must be disclosed, the court may release such information to the person requiring it and order that the confidentiality be maintained without disclosure to the petitioner.
(1) The mother of the child.
(a) The child is a child born of the marriage in accordance with the Louisiana Civil Code or its legal equivalent in another state.
(b) The father is presumed to be the father of the child in accordance with the Louisiana Civil Code or its legal equivalent in another state.
(3) The alleged father of the child who has established his parental rights in accordance with Chapter 10 of Title XI.
(4) The biological father of the child whose paternity has been determined by a judgment of filiation and who has established his parental rights in accordance with Chapter 10 of Title XI.
(5) The custodial agency which has placed the child for adoption, except that the court may grant the adoption without the consent of the agency if the adoption is in the best interest of the child and there is a finding that the agency has unreasonably withheld its consent.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 1095, §6; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 109, §1, eff. April 17, 2000; Acts 2003, No. 609, §1; Acts 2004, No. 26, §1.
Art. 1194. Repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1062, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
(1) The parent appears before the court in person.
(2) The court informs the parent of the consequences of his consent.
(3) The parent voluntarily consents to the adoption.
B. Upon acceptance by the court, the parent’s consent to the adoption is irrevocable.
C. Upon acceptance by the court, the parent shall execute the Statement of Family History set forth in Article 1125. All other rights and duties set forth in Chapter 8 of Title XI shall be applicable as if the consent were a surrender.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, Louisiana Adoption Laws No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1.
A. At any time following the birth of the child, any alleged or adjudicated father may execute an authentic act of consent to the adoption of his child, releasing any real or potential claims to the child, including a waiver of service for any subsequent adoption proceeding.
B. Such a consent shall be irrevocable upon execution.
C. Such a consent shall not be evidence of a confession, admission, or acknowledgment of paternity in any proceeding.
D. Any father who executes a release of claims shall also execute the Statement of Family History set forth in Article 1125. All other rights and duties set forth in Chapter 8 of Title XI shall be applicable as if the release were a surrender.
E. A father as described by Article 1193(2) shall not be authorized to execute a release of claims but may execute a surrender in accordance with Article 1122.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1993, Louisiana Adoption Laws No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1.
Prior to the initiation of any adoption under the provisions of this Title, the attorney for the petitioners shall obtain a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, which shall be attached to the petition for adoption.
A single person, eighteen years or older, or a married couple jointly may petition to adopt a child through an agency. When one joint petitioner dies after the petition has been filed, the adoption proceedings may continue as though the survivor was a single original petitioner.
(1) The full name, address, age, occupation, and marital status of each petitioner.
(2) The name by which the child is known to petitioners as well as the name under which the birth of the child is recorded.
(3) The place and date of the birth of the child if known; if not known, then the approximate age of the child.
(4) If known, the name of every parent whose consent to the adoption is required pursuant to Article 1193(1) and (2) and proof of their consent, or the name of every parent and the reason such consent is not required.
(5) The diligent efforts made in accordance with Article 1135(B), if the alleged father of the child is unknown, which establish that his rights should be terminated in accordance with Article 1135(A).
(6) The date and circumstances under which the child entered the home of the petitioner.
(7) Any relationship existing between the petitioner and the child.
B. The petition shall be accompanied by a certified copy of any order terminating the rights of the child’s parents.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993,Louisiana Adoption Laws No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993.
A. The petitioner shall file with the petition a preliminary estimate and accounting of fees and charges in accordance with Article 1201. The petitioner also shall file a final Adoption Disclosure Affidavit with the court not later than ten days prior to the date scheduled for the final hearing on the adoption.
(1) Reasonable medical expenses, including hospital, testing, nursing, pharmaceutical, travel, or other similar expenses, incurred by the biological mother for prenatal care and those medical expenses incurred by the biological mother and child incident to birth.
(2) Reasonable medical expenses, including hospital, testing, nursing, pharmaceutical, travel, or other similar expenses, and foster care expenses incurred on behalf of the child prior to the decree of adoption.
(3) Reasonable expenses incurred by the department or the agency for adjustment counseling and training services provided to the adoptive parents and for home studies or investigations.
(4) Reasonable administrative expenses incurred by the department or the agency, including overhead, court costs, travel costs, and attorney fees connected with an adoption. In approving a reasonable fee for overhead, the court shall consider and include additional expenses incurred by the department or the agency not specifically allocated to the adoption before the court including the cost of failed adoptions, where those expenses or fees represent actual costs of the department’s or agency’s adoption services permitted by the provisions of this Article.
(5) Reasonable expenses incurred for mental health counseling services provided to a biological parent or a child for a reasonable time before and after the child’s placement for adoption.
(6) Reasonable expenses incurred in ascertaining the information required by Articles 1124 and 1125.
(7) Reasonable living expenses incurred by a mother for a reasonable time before the birth of her child and for no more than forty-five days after the birth.
(8) Reasonable attorney fees, court costs, travel, or other expenses incurred on behalf of a parent who surrenders a child for adoption or otherwise consents to the child’s adoption.
(9) Any other specific service or fee the court finds is reasonable and necessary.
C. The payment of expenses permitted by Paragraph B may not be made contingent on the placement of a child for adoption, relinquishment of the child, or consent to the adoption.
D. Adoptive parents shall pay to the department any of the expenses listed in Paragraph B of this Article which may be imposed by the department. Such payments shall be imposed solely at the discretion of the department. The department shall not include payment of the expenses listed in Paragraph B of this Article as a requirement for adoption.
E. If a court determines from an accounting that an amount that is going to be or has been disbursed for expenses permitted by Paragraph B is unreasonable, it may order a reduction in the amount to be disbursed and order the person who received the disbursement to refund that portion.
(1) Issue an injunction prohibiting the disbursement or order the person who received the disbursement to refund it.
(2) Refer the case to the district attorney for the consideration of criminal charges pursuant to R.S. 14:286.
A. Each petition for an agency adoption shall be accompanied by an affidavit executed by the petitioner and petitioner’s attorney containing an accounting of fees and charges paid or agreed to be paid by or on behalf of the petitioner in connection with the adoption.
B. The affidavit shall not include any identifying information as to the biological parents, their families, or the child’s birth name.
2. We certify that no other fees, charges, or things of value other than court costs have been given or shall be given by anyone in connection with this adoption.
3. We declare that this disclosure statement has been examined by each of us and that its contents are true to the best of our information, knowledge, and belief.
4. We understand that each of us has a continuing obligation to supplement and amend this affidavit as necessary.
5. We understand that this information will be transmitted to the office of community services, Louisiana Department of Social Services. We further understand that it may be released by written authorization of the court for purposes of a grand jury investigation pursuant to R.S. 14:286 or for an ethical investigation by the Committee on Professional Responsibility of the Louisiana State Bar Association.
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME ON THIS _____ DAY OF ______, ___.
D. The adoption disclosure affidavit shall not be included as an exhibit for service with a copy of the petition under Article 1202.
E. Confidentiality of the information contained in the adoption disclosure affidavit shall be maintained as provided in Chapter 5 of this Title, and shall be released only in accordance with this Article or on written authorization of the court for the purposes of a grand jury investigation of a violation of R.S. 14:286 or an ethical investigation by the Committee on Professional Responsibility of the Louisiana State Bar Association.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
A. A copy of the petition for an agency adoption together with all exhibits shall be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by commercial courier as defined in R.S. 13:3204(D), when the person to be served is located outside of this state, and properly addressed to the department and on any agency having legal custody of the child. Two copies of the same petition need not be served on the department.
B. Except when waived, notice of the filing of the petition shall be served on any parent whose parental rights have not been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction.
C. If the adoption petition names an alleged or adjudicated father and his parental rights have not been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction, he shall be served with notice of the filing of the petition in accordance with Articles 1133, 1134, and 1136 and thereafter, his rights shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Articles 1137 through 1143.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1999, No. 395, §7.
If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1202 resides within this state, service shall be made either personally or by domiciliary service not less than thirty days prior to the commencement of the hearing on the petition.
If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1202 does not reside within this state, service shall be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid and properly addressed to the address indicated in the petition not less than thirty days prior to commencement of the hearing on the petition.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, Louisiana Adoption Laws No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992.
A. If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1202 cannot be served in accordance with the provisions of Article 1203 or 1204, the court shall appoint an attorney at law as curator ad hoc for the parent and service shall be made upon the curator ad hoc.
B. Upon appointment of the curator ad hoc, a copy of the court order shall be forwarded to the department.
C. The fees and costs of the curator ad hoc shall be paid by the petitioner, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary.
A. The curator ad hoc shall make a diligent effort to locate the parent and notify him of the pendency and nature of the proceedings. Any appearances or acceptances of service by the curator ad hoc shall be valid, but he shall not be allowed to waive any rights of notice.
B. The curator ad hoc shall submit to the court a note of evidence indicating the efforts made to locate the parent and shall receive an appropriate fee.
(1) The conditions with respect to the availability of the child for adoption.
(2) The physical and mental condition of the child.
(3) Other factors regarding the suitability of the child for adoption in petitioner’s home.
(4) The moral and financial fitness of the petitioner.
(5) The conditions of the proposed adoptive home with respect to health, adjustment, and other advantages or disadvantages to the child.
B. The department may delegate the performance of this investigation to a licensed private adoption agency, but the department remains responsible for ensuring the accuracy and thoroughness of the resulting report and for the safety and welfare of the child. The department shall adopt, promulgate, and enforce such rules and regulations as are necessary and appropriate to implement this authorization in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
C. The department shall make every effort to locate any living parent whose consent is required under Article 1193 to determine the parent’s attitude toward the proposed adoption. If a curator ad hoc has been appointed by the court pursuant to Article 1205, the department shall supply him with all information pertinent to the location of an absentee parent within fifteen days of its receipt of a copy of the order appointing the curator ad hoc.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1062, Louisiana Adoption Laws §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
A. The court shall sign the order setting the time and place for the hearing of the petition for agency adoption not less than thirty nor more than sixty days after the filing of the adoption petition. The court may extend this time for up to sixty additional days for good cause, which may include a showing by the department that it has been impossible to gather the necessary data within the time prescribed. The court may reduce the time to a minimum of fifteen days with written approval of the department and the petitioner. If an extension of time is granted, the court shall set a new hearing date and shall require the petitioner to report to the court, either at that hearing, or before, in detail concerning the progress of the child’s adoptive placement.
(1) Any motion to intervene which has been filed.
(2) Any other issues in dispute.
(3) The confidential report of the department.
(4) The report of any criminal records or validated complaints of child abuse or neglect concerning the petitioner.
(5) The testimony of the parties.
C. If the child to be adopted is twelve years of age or older, the court shall solicit and consider his wishes in the matter.
D. If not previously determined by the court in a separate hearing, the court shall also determine whether any proposed continuing contact agreement involving a child in the custody of the department is in the best interest of the child in accordance with Article 1269.4.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 568, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002.
A. Intervention in agency adoption proceedings shall not be allowed except on motion to the court and a showing of good cause.
B. Such intervention shall be limited to persons having a substantial caretaking relationship with the child for one year or longer, or any other person that the court finds to be a party in interest.
C. The intervention of a party in interest shall be for the limited purpose of presenting evidence as to the best interests of the child.
Upon due consideration of the factors enumerated in Article 1208(B), the court may grant or refuse to grant an interlocutory decree during or after the hearing. The basic consideration for this decree shall be the best interests of the child.
(1) The child was placed in the petitioner’s home by an agency and the child has lived in that home for at least six months prior to the hearing for adoption.
(2) The rights of the child’s parents have been terminated pursuant to Titles X or XI and the child has lived in the petitioner’s home for at least one year.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, Louisiana Adoption Laws No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
Upon issuance of an interlocutory decree, the period that must elapse prior to application for final decree of adoption begins to run.
A. After an interlocutory decree has been entered, the department shall maintain contact with the proposed adoptive home directly or through another agency in accordance with Paragraph B. The number of visits to the home and the time for them shall be within the discretion of the department. However, no less than two visits shall be made to the home, one of which shall occur within thirty days before the final decree of agency adoption.
C. A second confidential report must be presented to the court preceding the hearing on the final decree of agency adoption. The findings of this report shall be based upon the same considerations as prescribed in Article 1207 and shall disclose any changed conditions and all new pertinent information.
A. If an interlocutory decree has not been rendered within six months of the filing of the petition and review hearings are not otherwise required under Titles X and XI, review hearings shall be held every ninety days until an interlocutory decree is rendered.
B. If a final decree has not been rendered within six months of the filing of the petition, or within six months of an interlocutory decree, if rendered, review hearings shall be held every ninety days until a final decree of adoption is rendered.
A. At any time before the entry of the final decree of agency adoption, the court for good cause may revoke its interlocutory decree either on its own motion or on the motion of the department or on the motion of the petitioner or any person interested in the child.
B. All parties upon whom service was originally made shall be notified at least ten days prior to the signing of the order of revocation and shall be given an opportunity to be heard upon their written request.
A. The child shall have lived with the petitioner for at least one year and at least six months shall have elapsed after the granting of an interlocutory decree before the petitioner may file a petition for final decree of agency adoption.
B. The court shall set a time and place for the hearing of the petition for final decree. The petition for final decree need not be served upon anyone except the department.
The court, after hearing and after taking into consideration information from all sources concerning the adoption, may enter a final decree of agency adoption, or it may deny the adoption. The basic consideration shall be the best interests of the child.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this Title, upon a final decree of agency adoption, the parents of the child whose rights have not been previously terminated by a surrender or a judgment of termination and all other blood relatives of the child are relieved of all their legal duties and divested of all their legal rights with regard to the adopted child, including the right of inheritance from the adopted child and his lawful descendants, and the adopted child is relieved of all of his legal duties and divested of all his legal rights with regard to the parents, except as provided in Paragraph B.
B. The right of the child to inherit from his parents and other blood relatives is unaffected by the adoption.
C. Under the circumstances and pursuant to the procedures authorized by Chapter 14 of this Title, grandparents may obtain limited visitation rights to the adopted child.
D. Parents, grandparents, siblings, or other relatives by blood, adoption, or affinity who have an established and significant relationship may be allowed continuing contact with an adopted child in accordance with Chapter 14-A of this Title.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 568, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; Acts 2003, No. 567, §1.
The full name of the adopted child may be changed in the final decree of agency adoption and, if changed, the surname shall be the same as that of the adoptive parent.
Upon refusal to grant an interlocutory or final decree to the petitioners for the reason that the agency adoption is not in the best interests of the child, the court may remove the child from the petitioner and reinstate the legal custodian or appoint a custodian.
A single person, eighteen years or older, or a married couple jointly may petition to privately adopt a child. When one joint petitioner dies after the petition has been filed, the adoption proceedings may continue as though the survivor was a single original petitioner.
B. The petition shall be accompanied by a certified copy of any order terminating the rights of the child’s parents and if not previously filed, by a current certification for adoption.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 2003, No. 567, §1.
(3) Reasonable expenses incurred for adjustment counseling and training services provided to the adoptive parents and for home studies or investigations.
(4) Reasonable court costs, travel costs, and attorney fees incurred by the adoptive parents for their own representation in this adoption.
(3) Refuse to approve the adoption, if in the best interest of the child.
G. The court shall not issue a final decree of adoption until it has reviewed and approved the final accounting.
H. A copy of the Adoption Disclosure Affidavit and all orders of the court pursuant to this Article shall be mailed to the office of adoption services, Louisiana Department of Social Services.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1.
A. Each petition for private adoption shall be accompanied by an affidavit executed by petitioner and petitioner’s attorney containing an accounting of fees and charges paid or agreed to be paid by or on behalf of the petitioner in connection with the adoption.
2. We certify that no other fees, charges, or things of value other than court costs have been given or shall be given by anyone in this adoption.
3. We declare that this disclosure statement has been examined by both of us and that its contents are true to the best of our information, knowledge, and belief.
D. The adoption disclosure affidavit shall not be included as an exhibit for service with a copy of the petition under Article 1224.
A. A copy of the petition for private adoption together with all exhibits shall be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by commercial courier as defined in R.S. 13:3204(D), when the person to be served is located outside of this state, and properly addressed to the department.
C. If the adoption petition names an alleged or adjudicated father and his parental rights have not been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction, he shall be served with notice of the filing of the petition in accordance with Articles 1133, 1134, and 1136 and thereafter, his rights shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Articles 1137 through 1143 .
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1999, No. 395, §7.
If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1224 resides within this state, service shall be made either personally or by domiciliary service not less than thirty days prior to the commencement of the hearing on the petition.
If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1224 does not reside within this state, service shall be made by registered mail to the address indicated in the petition, return receipt required, not less than thirty days prior to commencement of the hearing on the petition.
A. If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1224 cannot be served in accordance with the provisions of Article 1225 or 1226, the court shall appoint an attorney at law as curator ad hoc for the parent and service shall be made upon the curator ad hoc.
B. Upon appointment of the curator ad hoc, a copy of the letter of appointment shall be forwarded to the department.
C. The fees and costs of the curator ad hoc shall be paid by the petitioner notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary.
C. The department shall make every effort to locate any living parent whose consent is required under Article 1193 to determine the parent’s attitude toward the proposed adoption. If a curator ad hoc has been appointed by the court pursuant to Article 1227, the department shall supply him with all information pertinent to the location of an absentee parent within fifteen days of its receipt of a copy of the order appointing the curator ad hoc.
A. The court shall sign the order setting the time and place for the hearing of the petition for private adoption not less than thirty nor more than sixty days after the filing of the adoption petition. The court may extend this time for up to sixty additional days for good cause, which may include a showing by the department that it has been impossible to gather the necessary data within the time prescribed. The court may reduce the time to a minimum of fifteen days with written approval of the department and the petitioner. If an extension of time is granted, the court shall set a new hearing date and shall require the petitioner to report to the court, either at that hearing, or before, in detail concerning the progress of the child’s adoptive placement.
A. Intervention in private adoption proceedings shall not be allowed except on motion to the court and a showing of good cause.
Upon due consideration of the factors enumerated in Article 1230(B), the court may grant or refuse to grant an interlocutory decree during or after the hearing. The basic consideration for this decree shall be the best interests of the child.
Notwithstanding Article 1238, upon due consideration of the factors enumerated in Article 1230(B), the court may render a final decree of private adoption at the first hearing, without the necessity of first entering an interlocutory decree, only if the rights of the child’s parents have been terminated pursuant to Title X or XI and the child has lived in the petitioner’s home for one year.
Upon issuance of an interlocutory decree, the period that must elapse prior to application for final decree of private adoption begins to run.
C. A second confidential report must be presented to the court preceding the hearing on the final decree of agency adoption. The findings of this report shall be based upon the same considerations as prescribed in Article 1229 and shall disclose any changed conditions and all new pertinent information.
A. At any time before the entry of the final decree of private adoption, the court for good cause may revoke its interlocutory decree either on its own motion or on the motion of the department or on the motion of the petitioner or any person interested in the child.
A. The child shall have lived with the petitioner for at least one year and at least six months shall have elapsed after the granting of an interlocutory decree before the petitioner may file a petition for final decree of private adoption.
The court, after hearing and after taking into consideration information from all sources concerning the adoption, may enter a final decree of private adoption, or it may deny the adoption. The basic consideration shall be the best interests of the child.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this Title, upon a final decree of private adoption, the parents of the child whose rights have not been previously terminated by a surrender or a judgment of termination and all other blood relatives of the child are relieved of all their legal duties and divested of all their legal rights with regard to the adopted child, including the right of inheritance from the adopted child and his lawful descendants, and the adopted child is relieved of all of his legal duties and divested of all his legal rights with regard to the parents, except as provided in Paragraph B.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 568, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002.
The full name of the adopted child may be changed in the final decree of private adoption and, if changed, the surname shall be the same as that of the adoptive parent.
Upon refusal to grant an interlocutory or final decree to the petitioners for the reason that the private adoption is not in the best interests of the child, the court may remove the child from the petitioner and reinstate the legal custodian or appoint a custodian.
(1) The petitioner is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity through a parent recognized as having parental rights.
(2) The petitioner is a single person over the age of eighteen or a married person whose spouse is a joint petitioner.
(3) The petitioner has had legal or physical custody of the child for at least six months prior to filing the petition for adoption.
B. When the spouse of the stepparent or one joint petitioner dies after the petition has been filed, the adoption proceedings may continue as though the survivor was a single original petitioner.
(1) A father who has formally acknowledged the child with the written concurrence of the child’s mother.
(2) A father whose name or signature appears on the child’s birth certificate as the child’s father.
(3) A father, if a court of competent jurisdiction has rendered a judgment establishing his paternity of the child.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 733, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1997, No. 256, §1; Acts 1999, No. 695, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1; Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 65, §1, eff. April 18, 2002.
The provisions of this Chapter govern intrafamily adoptions and take precedence when in conflict with another provision of this Title.
Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
(1) That the local sheriff conduct a records check for all federal arrests and convictions and all state arrests and convictions for each of the prospective adoptive parents.
(2) That the department conduct a records check for validated complaints of child abuse or neglect in this or any other state in which either of the prospective adoptive parents has been domiciled since becoming a major, involving either prospective adoptive parent.
B. Each order shall state the full name, date of birth, social security number, and former and current state of domicile since becoming a major of each prospective adoptive parent.
C. The sheriff and the department shall accord priority to these orders and shall provide a certificate indicating all information discovered, or that no information has been found.
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, any parent may execute an authentic act consenting to the adoption of his child in an intrafamily adoption, including a waiver of service for any subsequent proceeding.
B. If the parent of a child born of marriage is married to the stepparent petitioner and executes an authentic act of consent, he need not join in the petition nor be served with a copy thereof.
C. The parent of a child born outside of marriage who is married to the petitioning spouse shall join in the petition.
D. Repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1062, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1997, No. 256, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §§4, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2004, No. 26, §3.
A. The consent of the parent as required by Article 1193 may be dispensed with upon proof of the required elements of either Paragraph B or C of this Article.
(1) The parent has refused or failed to comply with a court order of support without just cause for a period of at least six months.
(2) The parent has refused or failed to visit, communicate, or attempt to communicate with the child without just cause for a period of at least six months.
(1) The other parent has refused or failed to comply with a court order of support without just cause for a period of at least six months.
(2) The other parent has refused or failed to visit, communicate, or attempt to communicate with the child without just cause for a period of at least six months.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 256, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
(4) If known, the name of every parent whose consent to the adoption is required pursuant to Article 1193(1) and (2) and proof of their consent, or the name of every parent and the reason such consent is not required as authorized by Article 1245.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993.
A. A copy of the petition for intrafamily adoption together with all exhibits shall be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by commercial courier as defined in R.S. 13:3204(D), when the person to be served is located outside of this state, and properly addressed to the department.
B. Except when waived in accordance with the provisions of Title XI or XII, notice of the filing of the petition shall be served on any parent whose parental rights have not been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 1095, §6; Acts 1999, No. 395, §7.
If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1247 resides within this state, service shall be made either personally or by domiciliary service not less than thirty days prior to the commencement of the hearing on the petition.
A. If a parent upon whom service is required under Article 1247 cannot be served in accordance with the provisions of Article 1248 or 1249, the court shall appoint an attorney at law as curator ad hoc for the parent and service shall be made upon the curator ad hoc.
A. The department need not investigate the proposed intrafamily adoption except upon order of the court. If the court orders an investigation, it may request any information which it deems relevant and require that the department submit a confidential report of its findings to the court.
B. The department shall make every effort to locate any living parent whose consent is required under Article 1193 to determine the parent’s attitude toward the proposed adoption. If a curator ad hoc has been appointed by the court pursuant to Article 1250, the department shall supply him with all information pertinent to the location of an absentee parent within fifteen days of its receipt of a copy of the order appointing the curator ad hoc.
A. The court shall sign the order setting the time and place for the hearing of the petition for intrafamily adoption not less than thirty nor more than sixty days after the filing of the adoption petition. The court may extend this time for up to sixty days for good cause, which may include a showing by the department that it has been impossible to gather the necessary data within the time prescribed. The court may reduce the time to a minimum of fifteen days with written approval of the department and the petitioner. If an extension of time is granted, the court shall set a new hearing date and shall require the petitioner to report to the court, either at that hearing, or before, in detail concerning the progress of the child’s adoptive placement.
(3) The confidential report of the department, if any.
A. Intervention in intrafamily adoption proceedings shall not be allowed except on motion to the court and a showing of good cause.
A. The court, after hearing and after taking into consideration information from all sources concerning the intrafamily adoption, may enter a final decree of adoption, or it may deny the adoption. The basic consideration shall be the best interests of the child.
B. When a court has granted custody to either the child’s grandparents or his parent married to the stepparent petitioner, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that this adoption is in the best interests of the child.
A. Except as otherwise provided by Paragraph C of this Article, upon a final decree of adoption, the parents of the child whose rights have not been previously terminated by a surrender or a judgment of termination and all other blood relatives of the adopted child are relieved of all their legal duties and divested of all their legal rights with regard to the adopted child including the right of inheritance from the adopted child and his lawful descendents, and the adopted child and his lawful descendents are relieved of all legal duties and divested of all legal rights with regard to the parents and other blood relatives.
C. If the adoptive parent is married to a blood parent of the adopted child, the relationship of that blood parent and his blood relatives to the adopted child shall remain unaltered and unaffected by the adoption.
D. Under the circumstances and pursuant to the procedures authorized by Chapter 14 of this Title, grandparents may obtain limited visitation rights to the adopted child.
The full name of the adopted child may be changed in the final decree of intrafamily adoption and, if changed, the surname shall be the same as that of the adoptive parent.
Upon refusal to grant an interlocutory or final decree to the petitioners for the reason that the intrafamily adoption is not in the best interests of the child, the court may remove the child from the petitioner and reinstate the legal custodian or appoint a custodian.
A. Any party to the proceedings or any other party in interest shall have the right to appeal a judgment granting or refusing to grant an interlocutory or final decree regarding any type of adoption within thirty days after the rendition of a judgment or decree.
B. If no appeal is perfected within thirty days after a judgment is rendered, the judgment shall be final.
All appeals from any judgment rendered in accordance with this Title shall be to the proper court of appeal on both law and fact.
All appeals from any judgment rendered in accordance with this Title shall be suspensive in nature. There shall be no requirement for posting of bond. Otherwise, the appeal shall be governed by Chapter 9 of Title III.
No action to annul a final decree of adoption of any type may be brought except on the grounds of fraud or duress.
A. An action to annul a final decree of adoption based upon a claim of fraud or duress perpetrated by anyone other than the adoptive parent must be brought within six months from discovery of the fraud or duress and in no event later than one year from the date of the signing of the final decree or mailing of the judgment when required.
B. An action to annul a final decree of adoption based upon a claim of fraud or duress perpetrated by an adoptive parent must be brought within six months from discovery of the fraud or duress and in no event later than two years from the date of the signing of the final decree or mailing of the judgment when required.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 796, §1, eff. July 1, 1997; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 838, §1, eff. July 1, 2001; Acts 2003, No. 776, §1, eff. July 1, 2003.
NOTE: See Acts 2003, No. 776, §2, relative to time of actions to annul a final decree of adoption.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the natural parents of a deceased party to a marriage dissolved by death whose child is thereafter adopted, and the parents of a party who has forfeited the right to object to the adoption of his child pursuant to Article 1245 may have limited visitation rights to the minor child so adopted.
Any request for limited visitation rights shall be made by written motion of the grandparents and filed with the court which rendered the final decree of adoption.
The motion for limited visitation rights shall be set for hearing contradictorily with the adoptive parents.
(1) That they have been unreasonably denied visitation rights.
(2) That such limited visitation rights would be in the best interests of the minor child.
A. The court, on its own motion or on motion of any party, may order an investigation to be conducted by the department or may order such psychological evaluations as deemed necessary.
B. The court shall consider all relevant factors in making its determination, including but not limited to reports of psychological evaluations.
The court may issue any limited visitation order that is consistent with the findings of the court and the best interests of the child.
(1) The child has an established, significant relationship with that person to the extent that its loss would cause substantial harm to the child.
(2) The preservation of the relationship would otherwise be in the best interest of the child.
B. If there is no parental relationship that meets the requirements of Paragraph A, the court may approve an agreement providing for continuing contact between the child to be adopted and any other relative by blood, adoption, or affinity whose relationship with the child meets those requirements.
C. When adoption is approved by the court as the permanent plan for the child, the department shall inform any parent, grandparent, sibling, or any other relative by blood, adoption, or affinity who meets the requirements of Paragraph A or B, of the possibility of post-adoption contact with the child upon agreement with the adoptive parents in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
Acts 2001, No. 568, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; Acts 2003, No. 567, §1.
A. Every post-adoption contact agreement shall be in writing and signed by the adopting parents and by any adult granted contact. If a sibling granted contact is a minor, his parent or legal custodian shall sign the agreement.
B. On behalf of the child who is to be adopted, the department, and counsel for the child shall report to the court approval or objection to the agreement and the child’s wishes concerning continuing contact. The court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for the child, if any, may also submit recommendations to the court regarding a proposed agreement.
C. If requested by the parties, the court may refer them to mediation to assist them in confecting a continuing contact agreement. If necessary to ensure that the child’s best interest is taken into account, the court may also appoint independent counsel for any child involved in future continuing contact.
D. A continuing contact agreement may authorize the exchange of information, communication by telephone, mail, e-mail, or other means, and direct visitation in either the adopting parents’ home or elsewhere through a mutually agreed-upon intermediary.
(1) The parties have freely and voluntarily entered into the agreement and it reflects their intent to be bound by its terms, unless later modified by a replacement agreement or by court order.
(2) The sibling, grandparent, parent, or other relative by blood, adoption, or affinity, or his representative, if any, has been counseled and advised by the department, by counsel, or by other appropriate professional about the meaning of these declarations and the effects of a continuing contact agreement and each has had the opportunity to have the agreement reviewed by his counsel.
(3) The sibling, grandparent, parent, or other relative by blood, adoption, or affinity, or his representative, has been informed and understands that upon the execution of the agreement, any dispute or litigation regarding its terms shall not affect the validity of any surrender, termination of parental rights, adoption, or custody of the adopted child.
(4) The adopting parents have been informed and understand that the sibling, grandparent, parent, or other relative by blood, adoption, or affinity may seek enforcement of the terms of the agreement in accordance with Article 1269.7.
We (NAME OF ADOPTIVE PARENT(S)) and (NAME OF ADULT PERSON PERMITTED CONTACT BY ARTICLE 1269.1) agree to post-adoption continuing contact between (NAME OF ADOPTED CHILD) and (NAME OF PERSON PERMITTED CONTACT) in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement reflects our commitment to an on-going, cooperative relationship focused upon meeting (NAME OF CHILD)’s needs now and in the future, fully recognizing that those needs may change as (HE/SHE) matures.
We (NAME OF ADOPTIVE PARENT(S)) and (NAME OF ADULT PARENT, GUARDIAN OR LEGAL CUSTODIAN OF MINOR SIBLING) agree to post-adoption continuing contact between (NAME OF ADOPTED CHILD) and (NAME OF MINOR SIBLING) in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement reflects our recognition of the significance and enduring nature of sibling relationships and our commitment to supporting and preserving the on-going relationship between (NAME OF CHILD) and (MINOR SIBLING).
We have each freely and voluntarily entered into this Agreement and intend to be bound by its terms. We have been counseled and advised by the Department, our attorney, or other appropriate professional of the meaning of these declarations, the effects of a continuing contact agreement, and the opportunity to have our own respective counsel review this Agreement.
We recognize that any dispute or litigation regarding the terms of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of any surrender or termination of parental rights, adoption, or custody of (NAME OF CHILD).
We also recognize that upon approval of the court, this Agreement becomes legally binding and any party to it may seek enforcement of its terms.
We also agree that (NAME OF DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE or NAME OF COUNSEL FOR ADOPTIVE PARENT) shall file this Agreement with the proper court of jurisdiction by (DATE NO LATER THAN 10 DAYS FROM EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT) requesting the court’s approval of this Agreement in accordance with Louisiana Children’s Code Article 1269.4.
This Agreement reflects our minimum expectations regarding continuing contact for the duration of the minority of (NAME OF CHILD). We understand that we can agree upon other continuing contact arrangements in the future through informal or formal means. However, we recognize that these minimum expectations must be preserved until such time as we modify them by mutual written agreement or the court modifies or terminates this Agreement in accordance with Louisiana Children’s Code Article 1269.7.
We certify that we enter this Agreement in good faith and intend that it always be interpreted to serve (NAME OF CHILD)’s best interest. We agree that we will always attempt to resolve any disagreement that may arise in (HIS/HER) best interest and acknowledge that court modification or enforcement is to be used only as a last resort when all informal means of resolution have been exhausted. We acknowledge that Louisiana Children’s Code Article 1269.7 authorizes the court to hear a motion to enforce, modify, or terminate this Agreement only after we have attempted in good faith to mediate the issues underlying our disagreement. Should mediation fail to resolve our differences, the court may modify or terminate this Agreement upon finding a change of circumstances and the Agreement no longer serves the best interest of (NAME OF CHILD).
This instrument reflects the entire agreement between us regarding post-adoption continuing contact. There are no promises, terms, conditions, or obligations other than those stated in this written Agreement.
We acknowledge that unless it is the legal custodian of a minor sibling named in this Agreement, the Department of Social Services, office of community services, is not a party to this Agreement and has no responsibility for enforcement of it.
This Agreement becomes effective upon approval of the court in accordance with Louisiana Children’s Code Article 1269.4.
20 , Parish of (NAME OF PARISH), State of Louisiana.
Acts 2001, No. 568, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002.
A. Within ten days after the petition is filed, the department or attorney for the prospective adoptive parents shall file in the court in which the adoption is pending an agreement for continuing contact.
B. The agreement may be filed later than ten days after execution only with leave of court for good cause shown.
C. If either the department or counsel for the child objects to the agreement, the court may conduct a hearing before approving the agreement.
A. The court shall review a continuing contact agreement executed in conformity with the requirements of this Chapter.
B. If the court finds that an agreement serves the best interest of the child, the agreement shall be incorporated into a judgment of the court. An agreement reached by the parties and approved by the department and counsel representing the child is presumed to serve the best interest of the child. The judgment shall provide that failure to comply with the terms of the agreement does not constitute grounds for annulling a surrender or the final decree of adoption.
(1) The duration of the child’s relationship with the parent, grandparent, sibling, or other relative by blood, adoption, or affinity seeking continuing contact.
(2) The strength of the psychological attachment between the child and the individual seeking continuing contact.
(3) The resulting harm to the child if the relationship is not preserved.
D. The court may receive expert testimony on the issue of continuing contact.
E. If the child is twelve years of age or older, the court shall solicit and consider the child’s wishes in the matter.
A. A continuing contact agreement shall be enforceable only if filed with the court and approved in accordance with Article 1269.4.
B. Failure to comply with the terms of an agreement made pursuant to this Chapter is not grounds for nullifying a surrender or an adoption decree or revocation by a biological parent of a surrender or consent to an adoption or for any action seeking the child’s custody. Failure to include this warning in the judgment as required by Article 1269.4 shall not affect the adoption.
The adoptive parent and the grandparent, sibling, and any parent whose consent or relinquishment is required for the child’s adoption, or any other relative by blood, adoption, or affinity who may be permitted continuing contact by Article 1269.1(B) may enter into an agreement regarding communication or contact after entry of a final decree of adoption. Any such agreement shall be enforceable only if filed with the court and approved in accordance with this Chapter.
A. Unless another court has jurisdiction pursuant to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the court shall retain jurisdiction after the decree of adoption is entered for the purpose of hearing motions brought to enforce, modify, or terminate an agreement entered into pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. For the convenience of the parties and the witnesses and in the interest of justice, the court, upon contradictory motion or upon its own motion after notice and hearing, may transfer the proceeding to another juvenile court in the state.
B. Before hearing such a motion, the court shall refer the parties to mediation in accordance with Title IV, Chapter 6 of this Code. Only if the court finds that the party seeking relief has participated or attempted to participate in good faith in mediating the dispute, may it proceed to a determination on the merits of the motion.
C. If the child is twelve years of age or older, the court shall solicit and consider the child’s wishes in the matter.
D. The court shall order continuing compliance in accordance with the agreement and refuse to modify or terminate it unless it finds that there has been a change of circumstances and the agreement no longer serves the best interest of the child.
A. Adoption is based upon the legal termination of parental rights and responsibilities of birth parents and the creation of such a relationship of parent and child between an adoptee and his adoptive parents. These legal and social premises underlying adoption must be maintained. The legislature recognizes that some adults who were adopted as children have a strong interest in identifying information about their birth parents or biological siblings, or both, while other such adult adoptees have no such interest. The legislature further recognizes that some birth parents and biological siblings have a strong interest in identifying information about their biological children or siblings who were surrendered for adoption, while others have no such interest. The legislature fully recognizes the right to privacy and confidentiality of birth parents whose children were adopted, of siblings, and of the adoptees, as well as that of the adoptive family.
B. There is hereby created within the office of community services of the Department of Social Services a voluntary registry for the matching of adopted persons and biological parents or siblings, or both. The purpose of this registry shall be to facilitate voluntary contact between the adopted person and the biological parents or siblings, or both.
C. The use of the registry shall be limited to the adopted person who is at least eighteen years of age, the biological mother, the biological father, and any biological sibling who is at least eighteen years of age.
D. No registration by an adopted person shall be permitted until all biological siblings who were adopted by the same adoptive parents have reached the age of eighteen years.
E. The registry shall not release any information from adoption records in violation of the privacy or confidentiality rights of a biological parent who has not authorized the release of any information.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 715, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1062, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
A. Registration shall be by affidavit filed with the office of community services, which office shall develop and furnish standardized affidavit forms appropriate for effecting the purpose of this Chapter.
B. Registration shall remain effective indefinitely after filing, unless withdrawn by the affiant by written request.
C. The department may establish registration and renewal fees not to exceed twenty-five dollars.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 715, §1.
A. The office of community services shall regularly monitor registrant affidavits, utilizing computer services if necessary, to determine whether or not affidavits have been filed by an adopted person and his biological parents or biological sibling.
B. If there appears to be a match between an adopted person and a biological parent or biological sibling, the office of community services shall notify the respective parties of the match and that each of them must participate in the counseling requirements of Paragraph D of this Article. Upon satisfaction of these requirements and provided none of the parties subsequently withdraws his registration, the office of community services shall provide the details of the match to the licensed social worker or adoption agency that provided counseling for the adopted person, and the social worker or agency shall then contact the registered and matched parties in a careful and confidential manner and give them the information necessary to contact each other.
C. If doubt exists that the adopted person registered and the biological parents or biological sibling registered are indeed biologically related, the office of community services shall advise the parties to petition the court having jurisdiction to open the sealed adoption record for verification. Such verification shall be a compelling reason, within the meaning of Article 1189, to open the adoption records for the limited purpose of verification.
D. Each party shall participate in not less than one hour of counseling with a licensed clinical social worker, a social worker employed by a licensed adoption agency, or a licensed professional counselor before they will be put into contact with one another. An adopted person, a biological parent, or a biological sibling who is domiciled outside the state may obtain the required counseling from a social worker or adoption agency, licensed in his state of domicile.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 715, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1309, §9, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 486, §5, eff. June 21, 2001.
Documents filed with the office of human development, pursuant to this Chapter, shall be confidential and shall not be available for inspection, except under the procedures set forth in this Chapter.
Any employee or former employee of the Department of Social Services, or a licensed adoption agency, or any employee or appointee or former employee or appointee of a court who discloses identifying information other than pursuant to judicial order or through the registry, as provided in this Chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars and not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
A. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the information acquired by the voluntary registry of Louisiana shall not be disclosed under any sunshine or freedom of information legislation, rules, or practice.
B. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no person, group of persons, or entity, including an agency, may file a class action to force the voluntary registry to disclose identifying information.
In any case where one or both of the birth parents are deceased, and when this fact is known by the voluntary registry or by the licensed adoption agency which originally placed the adult adoptee for adoption, this information shall be disclosed to the adult adoptee who has registered with the office of human development under the provisions of this Chapter.
Nothing contained in this Chapter shall limit a person’s right to proceed under Chapter 5 of this Title to obtain confidential adoption information.
The department shall adopt such reasonable rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Chapter.
(1) The date of birth of the person adopted.
(3) The names and addresses of the adoptive parents and any other data about them that is available and adds to the completeness of the new certificate of the adopted person.
Acts 1979, No. 776, §1.
Acts 1992, No. 705, §2, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §4, eff. June 15, 1993.
The clerk of court shall prepare, within ten days after the decree becomes final, from the court records, a certificate of every decree of annulment of adoption on forms furnished by the state registrar. On or before the fifteenth day of each month, the clerk shall forward the certificates prepared by him during the preceding calendar month to the state registrar.
Upon receipt of a court order of annulment of an adoption registered in his office, the state registrar shall restore the original certificate to its original place in the files.
A. Adoptions effected by notarial acts pursuant to R.S. 9:461 and name changes resulting from the adoptions pursuant to R.S. 9:462 shall have no effect on original birth certificates maintained by the Vital Records Registry, except that when a name change is effected pursuant to R.S. 9:462 and an affidavit is presented from the district attorney of the parish or place of residence of the requesting party indicating that there is no objection of the district attorney to the adoptee’s name change along with a certified copy of the notarial act of adoption and the appropriate fee, the registrar of vital records shall issue a new birth certificate to reflect the new name. If there is an objection from the district attorney, the registrar of vital records shall not seal the adopted person’s original birth certificate nor issue a new certificate in the new name until the grounds for the objection have been removed and confirmed by a supplemental affidavit from the district attorney.
B. In such cases, the validity and civil effects of the notarial act of adoption are in no way affected and shall continue to be governed by the laws applicable thereto.
Acts 1991, No. 630, §1.
A. When a person born in Louisiana is adopted in a court of proper jurisdiction in any other state or territory of the United States, the state registrar may create a new record of birth in the archives upon presentation of a properly certified copy of the final decree of adoption or, if the case has been closed and the adoption decree has been sealed, upon the receipt of a certified statement from the record custodian attesting to the adoption decree.
B. The decree is considered properly certified when attested by the clerk of court in which it was rendered with the seal of the court annexed, if there is a court seal, together with a certificate of the presiding judge, chancellor, or magistrate to the effect that the attestation is in due form. The certified statement is considered proper when sworn to and having the seal of the foreign state or territory’s record custodian.
(1) The date and place of birth of the person adopted.
(3) The names of the adoptive parents and any other data about them that is available and adds to the completeness of the certificate of the adopted child.
Acts 1979, No. 776, §1; Acts 1990, No. 183, §1.
A. Upon completion of the new record as provided for in R.S. 40:76 with respect to an adopted person who was born in Louisiana and adopted in another state, the state registrar shall issue to the adoptive parents a certified copy of the new record and shall place the original birth certificate and the copy of the decree and related documents in a sealed package and shall file the package in its archives.
B. Except as provided in R.S. 40:74, this sealed package shall be opened only upon the demand of the adopted person, or if deceased, by his or her descendants, or upon the demand of the adoptive parent, or the state registrar, or the recognized public or private social agency which was a party to the adoption, and then only by order of a Louisiana court of competent jurisdiction at the domicile of the vital records registry which court order shall issue only after a showing of compelling reasons, and opened only to the extent necessary to satisfy such compelling necessity.
C. In satisfying the requirement that information shall be revealed only to the extent necessary to satisfy the compelling necessity shown, the court is further authorized to use the services of the curator ad hoc appointed pursuant to Article 5091.2 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure.
D. All motions for records under this Section shall be in accordance with and subject to, the provisions of R.S. 9:437 and, if an adoption agency is involved, the agency shall be served with a copy of the motion as provided in Article 1313 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure.
Acts 1979, No. 776, §1. Acts 1986, No. 876, §1.
The provisions of this Part relative to controlled access to sealed adoption records and R.S. 9:437 shall all apply to adoption decrees rendered at any time, prior to, as well as after, the effective date of this Chapter.
Acts 1979, No. 776, §1; Acts 1986, No. 876, §1.
A.(1) Whenever a final decree of adoption shall be entered, the clerk of court shall forward, on a form supplied by the Department of Social Services, his certificate of the decree to the state registrar who shall make a new certificate of live birth of the person adopted, in the new name if the name has been changed in the decree.
(2)(a) If the child is adopted by a married couple, the names of both parties shall be recorded as the parents, even if one of the petitioning parties dies prior to entry of the final judgment of adoption.
(b) If the child is adopted by a single person, the word “adopted” may be written on the new birth certificate if the adopting parent requests it, otherwise no such wording shall be imprinted on the document and the name of the single adopting parent shall be recorded on the new birth certificate.
(3) Upon request of an adopting parent of a child whose birth certificate has the word “adopted” indicated thereon, the state registrar shall immediately reissue a birth certificate which has no reference or other indication that the child was adopted.
(4) The state registrar shall seal and file the original certificate of birth with the certificate of the decree. This sealed package may be opened only on the order of a competent court.
B. If no original record of birth is located in the files of the state registrar of vital records, then unless the child is known to have been born out of the state of Louisiana, he shall file a new certificate of birth in the adoptive name as evidence of the name of the child, names of parents, birth date, and birthplace. The state registrar may require additional documentary evidence necessary to establish the circumstances of birth.
(1) Where a certified copy of the original foreign birth certificate of the adopted person, and, if the certificate is not in English, a certified verbatim translation of the certificate are available, the state registrar, upon receipt of the certificate translation and a certified copy of the order or decree of adoption, shall prepare a birth certificate in the new name of the adopted person and shall seal and file the foreign certificate and order or decree of adoption.
(2) Where the certified copy of the original birth certificate of the adopted person and certified translation are not available, the court having jurisdiction of adoptions in the parish, upon evidence presented by the Department of Social Services from information secured at the port of entry or upon evidence from other reliable sources, may make findings on the date, place of birth, and parentage of the adopted person. Upon receipt of a certified copy of such findings of the court, together with a certified copy of the order or decree of adoption, the state registrar shall prepare a birth certificate in the new name of the adopted person and shall seal and file the certified copy of the findings of the court and the certified copy of the order or decree of adoption.
(3) A birth certificate issued pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection shall show specifically the true or probable country, island, or continent of birth. Except as provided in the following Paragraph, the birth certificate shall be annotated with the provision “not proof of United States citizenship”.
(4) Where a certified copy of a certificate of naturalization is received by the state registrar together with the documents required by this Subsection, the date and number of the certificate of naturalization shall be included in the birth certificate, and the birth certificate shall be accepted by all state agencies as evidence of United States citizenship.
D. All motions for records under this Section shall be in accordance with, and be subject to, the provisions of Children’s Code Articles 1188 through 1192, and, if an adoption agency is involved, the agency shall be served with a copy of a motion as provided in Article 1313 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure.
Acts 1992, No. 705, §2, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 395, §1.

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