RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 239 (SB 81) 2017 Regular Session Bishop
New law, regarding curatorship proceedings, defines "diligent effort to locate" to be efforts
by the curator, under circumstances known to the curator, that are reasonably calculated to
locate the absentee. Provides that these efforts may include review of court records,
department records, law enforcement records, vital records, military records, directory
assistance, internet search sites, and licensing agencies. Provides that publication is not
required unless specifically provided in the Children's Code.
Prior law (Ch.C. Art. 405) provided for payment of curator fees from the parish or other
funds available to the court.
New law delineates responsibility for payment of curator expenses and fees depending upon
whether the petitioner is the state or a private party.
New law, relative to procedures for unidentified parents, provides that it is not necessary to
appoint a curator ad hoc for an unidentified father, including when no party to the
proceedings or the mother, if not a party, is unable to identify the putative father.
New law further provides grounds and procedures relative to termination of parental rights,
right to counsel and service, and prehearing and scheduling conferences.
Effective August 1, 2017.
(Amends Ch.C. Arts. 405(A) and (B), 1016(A), and 1025.4(A)(2); adds Ch.C. Arts. 116(4.1),
643(C), 1004(D)(6), 1015(10), and 1023(C))