In Louisiana, once you sign your consent to adoption and the court approves it, that decision becomes permanent. This is different from many other states that give you a few days to reconsider.

It’s understandable that you’d like to know how long after adoption you have to change your mind. You’re likely facing one of the hardest decisions of your life. You want to choose a bright future for yourself and your baby.

In this article, we’ll walk through Louisiana's consent laws, what happens after you sign and how to feel confident in your decision. If you need someone to talk to right now, fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION. Our adoption specialists can answer your questions without any pressure.

How Long After Adoption Do I Have to Change My Mind in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, once you sign consent and the court approves it, that decision is permanent. There's no window to change your mind.

But Louisiana doesn't let you sign right away, either. The law requires you to wait at least three days after birth if you're working with an adoption agency or five days for a private adoption. You must also complete two counseling sessions with a licensed professional. The state wants to make sure you've had time to process and truly be ready before making this decision.

So, while there's no adoption revocation period after you sign, there are still protections in place. Louisiana prioritizes certainty on both sides — certainty that you're ready when you sign, and certainty for the child and adoptive family once you do.

The law does have a narrow exception for cases involving extreme pressure or fraud. If that occurs, legal action must be taken within 90 days.

Understanding Adoption Consent in Louisiana

Consent is your legal agreement to transfer your parental rights to the adoptive parents. In Louisiana, you sign this after your baby is born, and that’s when consent is final. Generally, it’s not possible to get your baby back after signing adoption papers in Louisiana.

This permanence is exactly why Louisiana has safeguards built into the process:

• Before you can sign consent, you're required by law to complete at least two counseling sessions with a licensed professional.

• Your consent has to be completely voluntary — no one can force or pressure you.

• It has to be fully informed, meaning you understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

• You must have legal representation to make sure you know your rights before you sign.

We provide legal representation at no cost to you. Your attorney will makes sure you know your rights and what you're signing before you ever put pen to paper.

Can You Get Your Baby Back After Adoption? Revoking Consent in Louisiana

What does revocation of adoption consent looks like in Louisiana when it's legally possible?

The law allows consent to be challenged only in two very specific circumstances: If you were under extreme pressure or coercion when you signed, or if you were deliberately given false information about something critically important.

If either of these applied to your situation, you would need to go to court to revoke consent within 90 days of signing or before the adoption is finalized, whichever happens first. Fraud and duress cases are typically rare.

Why Second Thoughts Are Common After Birth

Some women wonder if they will regret giving their baby up for adoption, especially in those first days after birth. Childbirth itself is one of the most intense experiences a person can go through. Your body is exhausted. Your emotions are running high. Everything might feel different than you imagined.

You’re likely processing:

• The reality of seeing and holding your baby for the first time

• Grief about what you're losing

• Fear about whether you're making the right choice

• Worry about your baby's future

• Pressure (real or perceived) from people around you

All of these feelings are valid. And all of them can contribute to second thoughts.

As the days and weeks pass and your body recovers, many people find they're able to see their situation with more clarity. That doesn't mean what you're feeling now isn't real or important. It just means that right now, everything is amplified. Giving yourself time and space to process can help you make the decision that's truly right for you.

Feeling Doubt? Remember Why You Chose Adoption

What happens if you regret your adoption decision? Take a breath and revisit why you considered adoption in the first place. Those reasons likely still hold true.

We've worked with expectant parents who changed their minds, only to realize weeks later that adoption was the right path. Clarity doesn't always come easily, and that's okay. Remember: You can take all the time you need before signing consent.

Real Stories From Other Birth Mothers

Sometimes, the most powerful reassurance comes from those who have walked this path before you.

Casey's Story

Casey was a 19-year-old single mother working two jobs just to afford childcare for her infant twin boys. She was rarely home, and she knew this wasn't the life she wanted for them. After eight months of research and soul-searching, she made the difficult decision to choose adoption when her boys were 2 years old. She wanted them to have the stable, two-parent home she couldn't provide.

Read more of Casey’s story.

Julia's Story

Julia was a college junior when an unexpected pregnancy changed her carefully planned path. She knew she wanted her daughter to have a stable home with two parents who could give her the life Julia envisioned for her. After choosing adoption, Julia used American Adoptions' birth parent scholarship to complete both her bachelor's and master's degrees.

Read more of Julia’s story.

What Happens After You Consent to Adoption?

Once your consent is final and the court approves it, the adoption moves toward being legally finalized. This usually happens after about six months.

When the adoption is finalized, your child's legal relationship with their adoptive family becomes permanent. The adoptive parents have full legal rights and responsibilities. Your baby will get a new birth certificate with the adoptive parents' names on it, and the adoption is complete under Louisiana law.

What Rights Do Birth Mothers Have After Adoption?

Once you sign your consent and the court approves it, your parental rights legally end. However, if you chose an open adoption arrangement (where you stay in touch with your child and their family), you can still have a relationship. Open adoption can include letters, photos, phone calls, visits — whatever everyone agrees feels right.

The Role of Counseling in Your Adoption Decision

At American Adoptions, we believe you deserve to make this decision with all the information and support you need. That's why we provide counseling before, during and after placement.

Our counseling helps you:

• Work through your emotions
• Understand Louisiana's legal process
• Make sure adoption truly feels right for you
• Prepare yourself emotionally for placement
• Build coping strategies

Our adoption specialists have years of experience walking alongside expectant parents. They're here to listen without judgment, no matter where you are in your decision.

Still Unsure? Here's What You Can Do

If you're still feeling uncertain, that's completely okay. Here's what you can do right now:

1. Reach Out for Counseling. Our specialists offer free, confidential support to help you sort through what you're feeling.

2. Look at All Your Options. Make sure you've considered parenting resources, financial assistance programs and support from family.

3. Browse Profiles of Waiting Families. Seeing the actual families who are hoping to adopt can help you picture your baby’s future.

Take your time considering adoption. There’s no deadline; you can move forward when you’re ready.

How American Adoptions Walks Alongside Expectant Parents

At American Adoptions, we're committed to walking beside you every step of the way. We provide:

If you're ready to learn more or just want to talk, fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION. You don't have to make this decision alone, and you deserve support every step of the way.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.