Art. 1156.  Reclaiming parental rights; time limitations; paternity testing; home study

A.  Within thirty days after the relinquishment, a parent who has relinquished an infant may seek to reclaim parental rights by filing in the court in the parish in which the infant was relinquished a motion evidencing a declaration of his intention to retain his parental rights.

B.  The court shall set the parent's motion for contradictory hearing against the department to be held within twenty days of the filing of the motion.  No continuances shall be granted, except in extraordinary circumstances and upon a showing of good cause.

C.  The court shall issue an order for immediate blood or tissue testing, in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 9:396 et seq., and shall order an expedited report.

D.  The court shall also order the department to immediately conduct a home study of any parent seeking to reclaim or establish his rights and promptly report to the court concerning its findings.

Acts 2003, No. 609, §2.