Art. 1107.9 Notice of filing of intent to surrender for adoption; service upon identified alleged fathers, residents and nonresidents

When a parent plans to give up a child for adoption, the court has to notify the child's father, if he's known or has been legally identified as the father, even if paternity hasn't been fully confirmed. This notice tells him that the mother (or legal parent) has filed paperwork showing her intent to surrender the child for adoption.

The law requires this notice to be delivered in a way that proves he actually received it. This can happen through personal service, meaning someone hands him the papers directly, or through certified or registered mail with a return receipt, meaning only he can sign for and accept the letter. This rule applies whether the father lives in Louisiana or in another state.

The point of this rule is to make sure the father gets real, documented notice before an adoption moves forward. This gives him the chance to respond, object, or take legal action if he wants to be involved in his child's life. Without proper notice, the adoption process cannot legally continue against his rights.