Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

Step Father Adoption

My son's dad does not pay child support and does not want to have anything to do with our son. He wants to give up his rights and allow my husband to take over the care and support of our son. However, we do not have the money to pay the legal fees involved in adoption. I was told by a friend that there was some way of doing this without having to go through the expense of an adoption. Something called active surrender (?). Can you tell me more about this?


Asked on 5/11/04, 5:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: Step Father Adoption

I have never heard of an 'active surrender.' However, I do not know a single juvenile court judge who would allow a father to terminate his rights without there being another man to assume that role, not only in name, but in 'legal responsibility.' An intrafamily adoption should not cost more than $1,000, including court costs, and be over in less than 120 days.

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Answered on 5/12/04, 9:16 am


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