In this answer · 3 sections
Your question, explained
You file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in Louisiana, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Louisiana.
However, if you and the child live in Louisiana:
- You file in Louisiana District Court
- The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Louisiana or in another state
- The adoption follows Louisiana law regardless of where the other parent lives
- 0 months residency required (La. Ch.C. Art. 1171)
If the biological parent lives in Louisiana and you live elsewhere:
- You file in YOUR state's court
- The biological parent is served at their Louisiana address
- Louisiana's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
- Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state
Cross-state service of process:
- A sheriff or process server in Louisiana can serve the biological parent
- If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Louisiana
- If the parent's location in Louisiana is unknown, service by publication may be used
Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.
Stepparent adoption in Louisiana at a glance
- Court
- District Court
- Residency before filing
- No minimum period
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $200-$400
- Child's consent
- Louisiana does not require the child's consent; the court asks for and considers the wishes of a child 12 or older
- Home study
- Usually waived for stepparents
- Louisiana families we've helped
- 881
Published by Douglas Brown & the StepParent Adoption 360 team
Adoption document specialists · 25+ years of experience · 34,000+ families helped.
Page layout updated . Individual answers have different research histories. This is general information; court requirements and individual circumstances can differ. Document preparation service, not a law firm.
Get to know our team →