The following attorneys have been recommended by LEEAF families:
Albert (Jay) Widmer (Metairie and will travel to other areas) - 504-779-0022, cell 504-782-7930
David Oriol (Northshore) - 985-792-5220
Matt Cambell (Metairie) - 504-836-5945
Phyllis Coci (Metairie) - 504-889-0292
Margaret Kern (Covington) - 985-892-4801
Audrey McCain (Iberville Parish and Baton Rouge) - 225-687-8616
Bill Faustermann (Slidell) - 985-641-5010
Readoption fees will vary, depending on the attorney that you choose. The average price is approx. $900 to $1250 ($250 of that is for filing).
LEEAF does not endorse any attorney listed. Adoptive parents should research and choose wisely.
Recognition of Adoption
Adoption professionals recommend that parents complete the paperwork for "recognition of adoption". The benefits: secures the recognition of a legal parent/child relationship under US law, which eliminates reliance on the ongoing validity of adoption laws abroad and gives you the ability to obtain a state birth certificate from vital records, which will eliminate problems later in life when you child may need additional, certified copies of his/her birth certificate. There are two ways in which you can complete this process: you can fill out the paperwork and file yourself or you can hire an attorney. If you file yourself, you will not have the pay an attorney fee (between $800 and $1000) but will have to pay the filing fee of $250. Some families hit roadblocks or simply can't figure out how to navigate the process in their particular parish and therefore, hire an attorney.
We are currently trying to update the information on this page. There seems to be some confusion and variation in procedure depending on what parish you file in.
For a copy of the Recognition of Adoption Template one family used to file (themselves, without the use of an attorney) in St. Tammany Parish (in Jan. 2006) , click here.
As of spring 2007, the adoptions clerk in Orleans Parish is new and may not be able to answer all of your questions.
Citizenship
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows certain foreign-born, biological and adopted children of American citizens to acquire American citizenship automatically. These children did not acquire American citizenship at birth, but they are granted citizenship when they enter the United States as lawful permanent residents (LPRs). To read about this act and how it will affect your child, go to
The site gives information about a Certificate of Citizenship, applying for a passport, etc.
