Louisiana Relinquishment, Consent, Revocation laws

Who Must Consent:

• The mother
  
• The father or alleged father if he has established parental right.
  
• The biological father whose paternity has been established.
  
• The custodial agency who has placed the child for adoption.
  
  
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Consent of Adoptee:

Not addressed in statutes reviewed.

When Parental Consent is Not Needed:

A parent with custody is married to the petitioner and the other parent has failed to support, visit or communicate with the child without just cause for at least 6 months.

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:

• Act of surrender by mother shall not be executed prior to 5th day after child's birth.
  
• A father may execute act of surrender prior to or any time after child's birth.
  

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:

• Consent must executed before a notary and 2 witnesses.
  
• Prior to this, parent must undergo at least two counseling session, consult with an attorney, and be informed about Voluntary Registration Law.
  
• In a private adoption, the parent must be represented by her own attorney at the time of execution of consent.
  
  

Time for Revocation:

• Consent is irrevocable after the 5th day following child's birth.
  
• The father's consent is irrevocable upon execution.
  
  

Adapted from materials prepared by the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.