State Regulation of Adoption Expenses
State-Specific Search Results

Louisiana

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

Statute:
Ch. Code art. 1200

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.