Adoptions

Lafayette Adoption Attorney

Representing a family through an adoption is an honor. It is one of the most rewarding experiences that Attorney Josh Guillory enjoys as a lawyer. Our firm has had the privilege of representing parties in intrafamily adoptions and private adoptions throughout South Louisiana.

The choice to pursue an adoption is a lifelong process and one based on love. Although the legal aspects of adoption have a finite end, the effect lasts a lifetime. Because adoption is likely the single most legally-significant event in your life, it is important to choose a lawyer that understands that significance. Lafayette Adoption Attorney Josh Guillory has dedicated a large portion of his legal career to building families through adoption. An adoption should always be child centered and should proceed to accommodate that child’s best interests. Our goal is to make sure that every adoption matter is legally secure, emotionally respected, and handled professionally.

Types of Adoptions in Louisiana

Louisiana recognizes three types of adoptions:

• Intrafamily adoption
• Private adoption
• Agency adoption

Most of our clients come to us for either an intrafamily adoption or a private adoption. The type of adoption that is right for you and your family depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding your adoption. A stepparent seeking to adopt his or her stepchild, for example, would adopt through an intrafamily adoption proceeding. A friend from church who is seeking an adoption of a child with the consent of the child’s biological parents, in contrast, would adopt through a private adoption proceeding.

Intrafamily Adoptions

Many people think of an intrafamily adoption as a “stepparent adoption.” Most intrafamily adoptions that our office handles are stepparent adoptions, but intrafamily adoptions extend past stepparents. In an intrafamily adoption, Louisiana law allows a stepparent, step-grandparent, great-grandparent, grandparent, or “collaterals within the twelfth degree” to petition the Court in an intrafamily adoption if certain elements are met. If you or a loved one fall in this category and are interested in pursuing an intrafamily adoption, you should contact a Louisiana adoption attorney as soon as possible to discuss the requirements and procedures of this type of adoption.

Private Adoptions

The private adoption process can be a wonderful way to bring together loving families wishing to raise a family with a child in need. However, there are many legal ramifications of the decision to adopt, and the legal procedure can be complicated. Parties in a private adoption invest significant time, money and emotional energy into the process. Josh and his team make sure that the process is fully explained and that all required documents are prepared carefully and accurately to ensure a smooth process and effective outcome.

In a Louisiana private adoption, either a married couple who is jointly asking the Court to adopt or a single person who is eighteen years of age or older may petition the Court to privately adopt a child. There are a lot of procedural steps that are required to finalize a private adoption, and it is highly important to go over all the elements required in a private adoption with a licensed attorney who is familiar with Louisiana adoption laws.

Experienced Lafayette Adoption Attorney

For advice and assistance in an adoption in and around Lafayette, LA and throughout South Louisiana, such as Acadia Parish, Vermilion Parish, Calcasieu Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, St. Landry Parish, and surrounding areas, please contact Attorney Josh Guillory today at (337) 233-1303 or click here to arrange an adoption consultation.

• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Child Support & Spousal Support
• Adoptions
• Community Property
• Matrimonial Agreements
• Name Changes

Questions About Adoptions

In addition to handling family law matters, Attorney Joshua S. Guillory is prepared to help individuals with a wide range of legal matters, such as criminal defense, estate planning to include wills and trusts, business law, and personal injury. Do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC at (337) 233-1303 or click here to send a message to our firm.