Louisiana Adoption Laws, Page 6

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Regulation of Adoption Expenses

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

• Medical and hospital costs of the mother.
  
• Living expenses of the mother.
  
• Medical, hospital, and foster care expenses of the child.
  
  
  

  

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

Statute: Ch. Code art. 1200

• Payment for mother's living expenses may not extend beyond 45 days after the birth.
  
• If a court determines that an expense is unreasonable, it may order a reduction in the amount.

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

Statute: La. R.S. § 14:286

• Only licensed nonprofit adoption agencies may charge fees for arranging adoptions.

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Statute: Ch. Code art. 1200; La. R.S. § 14:286

• Payment of expenses may not be made contingent on the placement of a child for adoption.
  
• It is unlawful for any person to sell or surrender a child to another person for money or anything of value.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

Statute: Ch. Code art. 1200

• Adoptive parents shall pay reasonable expenses incurred for:

• Counseling;
  
• Training;
  
• Home studies;
  
• Legal fees;
  
• Administrative costs.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Statute: Ch. Code art. 1200, 1201

• A preliminary estimate and accounting of fees must be filed with the petition.
  
• Each petition for an agency adoption shall be accompanied by an affidavit of accounting of all fees and charges paid.
  
• A form for the affidavit is in the statute.
  

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)

Adoptions of Indiana

Preparation, Education & Support To Birth & Adoptive Families

http://adoptionsofindiana.org

Adoption Directory

Find adoption agencies, services and professionals.

adoptiondirectory.com

Adoption Attorney

The Law Office of Todd Kolarik Specializing in Adoption Disruption

www.tmklaw.com