Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

Am I an unfit mother?

I am a divorced woman and my children live with me. Their father now that he is out of prison on a felony is doing o.k. He is on psychotic medication now. My question is, if i was to move in with a man without getting married, am I under la. law considered to be an unfit mother and have my children given to their father. Their ages are 8 and 10. My boyfriend is an ex- police officer and is considering going back now that the pay is better. In the 4 years since our divorce I have only dated 2 men.

Thank You,


Asked on 2/19/02, 8:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Am I an unfit mother?

There is no clear-cut definition of the fitness of a parent in Louisiana law. The courts are instructed to act "in the best interest of the child." Clearly, some judges will be more rigid than others about unmarried couples living together. Hopefully this is not considered worse for the children than living with a psychotic, ex-convict, but never forget that judges are elected and therefore unpredictable.

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Answered on 2/20/02, 10:13 am


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