Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

Adoption of my nephews

My husband and I have custody of my two nephews, ages

3&2 I have had the 3yr old since he was 7 mths and the 2 yr

old since he was 6 months. i want to adopt them , the mother

is ready to sign the papers but the father is not, he has not

seen or been in contact with the kids for a year and half

now. The parents have a slim chance of getting them back

due to abuse, I can't really afford a lawyer and want to file

myself if possible what steps do I take and what rights do i

have to have the fathers rights terminated? Neither had

ever paid any support. Please help!


Asked on 12/19/01, 9:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Adoption of my nephews

First, have you contacted an attorney about the cost of this adoption? It may be less expensive than you think. Contact a few and price the services. Remember, in the long run, getting it right is less expensive than getting it cheaply.

You will have to file suit in court to terminate the father's rights as part of the adpotion. If he has not contacted or supported the child for more than six months, then this is a relatively simple procedure for a lawyer.

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Answered on 12/20/01, 12:54 am


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