Do adoption laws vary by state?
Yes. For the most part, adoption is controlled by state law. These laws tend to vary considerably state by state. If you’re looking to adopt, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with Louisiana adoption laws and consider hiring a child adoption attorney.
How much does it cost to adopt a child?
While the exact price varies, the “Protection of Adoption Act” was passed in Louisiana in 2018, which caps the adoption price at $7,500. The goal of this legislature is to make adoption in Louisiana easier while ensuring that the adoption is real by requiring that the paperwork necessary to adopt is clearly identified. The act also protects the prospective parents by making lying about prenatal expenses punishable by a $50,000 and 10 years in prison.
How long does it take to adopt a child?
There are two stages in the adoption process, pre-placement and post-placement. There is a pre-placement waiting period for all adoptions. Like the cost, the exact time frame varies depending on the child and circumstances. After a home-study has been completed, the adoption of a child with special needs can often proceed quickly and be completed within a few months. However, the wait for a healthy infant can be anywhere between 2 and 7 years.
After placement, there is a legally-mandated length of time where the agency supervises the child in the home. This length of time is always at least 6 months from time of placement.
What can disqualify you from adopting a child?
There are many factors that can lessen your chances of being approved for adoption in Louisiana, including:
- you or someone in the household has a felony involving violence or the well-being of a child
- if you are unable to have children, and the assigned social worker feels you still want biological children
- you lie to the social worker on your case or omit anything
- you have weak or negative references
- you have a serious or life threatening illness
If you’re not sure that you will qualify to adopt, look into hiring a
child adoption lawyer in Louisiana.