Colorado adoptions
We assist clients with Colorado adoptions in all areas:
Stepparent adoption
Custodial or second parent adoption
Adult adoption
Open adoption
Contested adoption
Same sex adoption
Guardianship
Step Parent Adoptions in Colorado
Step parent adoptions are some of the most common adoptions in Colorado. However, adoptions cannot generally occur while both natural parents are still living, unless one parent’s parental rights have been terminated or that parent consents to the adoption. To adopt a stepchild in Colorado, a stepparent must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a Colorado resident for at least six months
- Be a resident of the county in which the adoption is filed
- Be married to the custodial parent
- Complete a criminal background check
- Obtain consent from the custodial parent
- Obtain consent from the non-custodial parent
- File a petition for adoption with the Colorado courts
- File the custodial parent’s approval of the adoption
A stepparent can file a petition to adopt a stepchild if a biological parent has passed away, abandoned the child, or failed to pay child support for at least one year. Generally, their parental rights have to be terminated before a child is eligible for adoption, if both natural parents are living.
Our Castle Rock adoption attorneys are available for a free telephone consultation today on Douglas County adoption cases and adoption cases throughout Colorado! Please call our Douglas County adoption lawyer, Castle Rock adoption lawyer, and Highlands Ranch adoption lawyer Marc Patoile at 303-688-3045 or contact us.