You can call and or look online with the local Bar Association and/or the Clerk of Court for the Parish you live---ask them if they have any forms for what it is you seek to do. Also, ask if they have a pro bono service for what you seek to do----that said, your post indicates that you and your... View More

No, it's not kidnapping because both of you have equal parental rights. If you anticipate that there may be problems developing, you may want to consider speaking with an attorney about filing a petition for the court to determine custody, so that there will be an enforceable judgment. The... View More

Other than it being in Louisiana, you do not mention where----my suggestion is sort of the same but there are 3 telephone calls you should make---(1) the organziation which provides legal aid in the parish where this case is located; (2) the local bar association located in the parish where this... View More

You need to file something with the Court asking the Court to set periods of visitation so that your vistiation rights become an order of the Court. If yoou are unable to hire an attorney, then contact the local bar association and see if they have a pro bono program, or if they can provide you... View More

I assume your custodial arrangement is in writing in the form of a stipulation or judgment which has most likely been signed by a Judge---assuming that is correct, then unless (until) it is changed, that is the rule/law of your case and is to be followed unless the parties agree not to do so. If... View More

Legally? If you want legal, then you need to go to Court and have it signed by a Judge. I strongly recommend that you contact a lawyer in your area to discuss your options and best way to proceed here. More information is needed as to the relationship between you and the baby mama in order to do... View More

What do you mean by "complete custody"---also, what does the current custody order provide---what are the terms? If the child is 14 years old, I think the appropraite thing for you to do is to seek a consult with a family lawyer in your area to discuss the specifics of your current... View More

All cases are different and depend on the specific facts however the Courts prefer that both parents be involved in the life of the child so based on that, the likelihood of joint custody is high. I am not sure what you mean by SPLIT. If you mean SHARED, then the answer remains the same: the... View More

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answered on Feb 8, 2024

In Louisiana, obtaining a divorce, even with the intention of relinquishing rights to children, may not be entirely free due to court fees and possible attorney costs. However, low-income individuals might qualify for a fee waiver or reduced-cost legal services through legal aid organizations. The... View More

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answered on Jan 29, 2024

In Louisiana, if Child Protective Services (CPS) has kept your child in custody after charges against you have been dropped and you've completed your case plan, you may have grounds to take legal action. However, the decision to sue CPS should be carefully considered and based on a thorough... View More

The judge will sign a written order either granting the motion to reset or denying it. If the motion is granted, the order will state the new date. If the hearing officer conference is drawing near and you haven't received the judge's order yet, I'd suggest calling the clerk's... View More

If you do not have any paperwork/orders signed by the Judge detailing your custodial time then you need to file something with the Court asking that custodial time be set which will detail when you exercise custodial time and when your ex does. If you have such an order and he is in violation of... View More

The birth father may have to be placed on notice of the intent to adopt; however, his consent may not be required if he failed to communicate or attempt to communicate with the child without just cause for over 6 months. Your fiance would likely need to marry you, however, to be considered for an... View More

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answered on Oct 30, 2025

It’s understandable to be worried about how this one mistake could affect your custody situation, but a single incident of drug use doesn’t automatically mean you will lose your parental rights. In most cases, family courts focus on **patterns of behavior** and whether a parent poses an ongoing... View More

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answered on Oct 30, 2025

Missing a custody hearing because of a genuine medical emergency is something the court can consider, especially if you have documentation to prove it. In Louisiana, you can file a **Motion to Set Aside or Vacate Judgment** as soon as possible. This motion explains that the default judgment was... View More

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answered on Oct 10, 2025

It’s understandable that you feel anxious about this situation, especially when someone is challenging your ability to care for your children. Since you already have legal custody, the burden of proof falls on your children’s grandmother to show that you are unfit — not on you to prove that... View More

You should contact legal aid in your area to see if you qualify for an attorney through their office. Also, you can contact the local and state bar associations to see if either has a list of lawyers and/or a program which provides pro bono services to persons in your situation. Good luck.

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answered on Oct 6, 2025

You’re facing an incredibly difficult situation, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated when financial barriers prevent you from protecting your children’s well-being. In cases like this, the court’s primary concern is always the **best interest of the children**, and you have the right... View More

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answered on Oct 4, 2025

It’s good that you’re being cautious and want to follow the supervised visitation rules properly. In Louisiana, supervised visits are structured to prioritize the child’s safety and comfort, and the supervisor has authority to oversee everything that happens during the visit. Since your... View More

You should not do this yourself---instead you should consult with a custody/family lawyer in your area to discuss the specifics of your situation and to determine your options and the best way to move forward. Good luck.