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The adoption process in Colorado has many aspects that may not immediately be apparent to those wishing to adopt. There are different types of adoptions, and there are many Colorado adoption requirements. Additionally, there is also a specific time frame surrounding how long an adoption will take to finalize. 

Interestingly there are approximately 135,000 children adopted each year in the United States. Additionally, it is believed that 6 out of 10 Americans have had experience with adoption. Usually, this means either they themselves, a family member, or a close friend was adopted or that they had given up a child for adoption. If you are considering adoption, you are likely excited but apprehensive. 

The adoption process in Colorado can be challenging to understand, but fortunately, you can hire an Aurora adoption attorney who can help you with the legal proceedings. Adoption should be a joyous occasion, and at the CNL Law Firm, we always strive to ensure that your adoption case is handled legally and efficiently.

The Different Types Of Adoption In Colorado

When you have decided to adopt, it’s crucial you first determine if you want a domestic or international adoption. Additionally, you will also need to decide whether you want to adopt a child privately or from the state and if you want an open or closed adoption. In the state of Colorado, there are a few adoption routes that prospective parents can take when looking to adopt. Below we have listed four common types of adoption in Colorado.

• Kinship adoption: This type of adoption is usually taken by a person who wants to adopt a family member. 
• Adult adoption: An adult adoption refers to those wishing to adopt someone who is legally considered an adult. In Colorado, a person is regarded as an adult at 18 years old. 
• Second-parent adoption: A second-parent adoption is also referred to as co-parent adoption. This type of adoption allows unmarried couples the same legal parental rights as married couples. 
• Stepparent adoption: This type of adoption involves a stepparent adopting a child once they have been legally married to the child’s biological parent. 

The Colorado Adoption Requirements

Those who are wishing to adopt in Colorado will need to meet various adoption requirements. The requirements that need to be met will depend on the type of adoption a person is pursuing and the adoption professional they go through. Below are a few of the general adoption requirements those wishing to adopt will need to meet in Colorado.

1. A person must be 21 years or older to adopt a child. 
2. You cannot adopt a child if you are a felon or have a criminal record. However, those with a one-time nonviolent offense can be approved to adopt depending on an evaluation by a social worker and the courts. 
3. A person needs to prove that they are physically and mentally capable of adopting a child. To prove this, you will need to present recent health records. 
4. You need to be financially stable to adopt a child. Most times, you will need to provide financial records that prove you are financially stable enough to support a child. 

How Long Does The Colorado Adoption Process Take To Be Finalized 

According to Colorado law, all adoptions have to adhere to a six-month waiting period. This period commences from the day a parent takes custody of a child until they can petition a Colorado court to finalize the adoption. This rule is in place to ensure that the adoptive parents are a good fit for the child. 

Additionally, it’s important to note that before this waiting period begins, a home study needs to occur, and this evaluation period usually takes three to six months to complete. 

Get In Touch With An Aurora Colorado Adoption Lawyer At Your Earliest Convenience To Discuss The Adoption Process

If you are experiencing problems with your adoption or would like to discuss an adoption’s legal issues or initiate one, an Aurora, Colorado adoption lawyer can help you. At the CNL Law Firm, we understand your desire to adopt. We are well versed in the local Colorado state laws surrounding adoption procedures. Get in touch with our legal firm today for a free consultation.