As a red state in the South, courts tend to reflect Louisiana residents’ conservative attitudes. In many instances, this can be a good thing, but for single women looking to adopt, it can create additional layers of red tape.
In general, the adoption process is filled with pitfalls, including home studies that can appear to be quite invasive. Even private adoptions have their share of the drama, as adoptive parents wait with bated breath until the birth mother finally relinquishes their rights to the child.
Other issues with single-parent adoptions include the presumption of birth parents that their child will be better raised in a two-parent nuclear family. On top of that, adoption agencies have strict guidelines regarding the adopting parents— all the way down the age of the perspective parents.
All of these factors can make single-parent adoption a questionable prospect. Many single women who long to be mothers circumvent the process by adopting internationally. But that is quite expensive and has its own set of unique drawbacks.
But when your biological clock has already wound down (or perhaps never started ticking), you want to jump-start the adoption process and get it finished as fast as possible. While understandable, understandable, it’s a good idea to lay effective groundwork before initiating any action.
First, assemble a strong system of friends and family members who can provide the support you need to get through this process and beyond. You’ll need babysitters at the ready to step in when you need to take a break, return to work or even become ill. Your support system should consist of positive people who encourage you and keep your spirits up when the future appears uncertain or times get difficult.
It’s also important to work closely with a Louisiana family law attorney familiar with the adoption process in the state.
You want to be the best mother you can be to your future child, and we can help you with the process. Contact us today!