Recent News

Adoption is a legal process and Colorado law sets out certain eligibility requirements to become an adoptive parent. If you need assistance with this process and want to protect your rights, seek help from an Aurora adoption attorney today. 

Many people have the goal of adopting a child in Colorado for various reasons. Whether you want to complete your family through adoption or have a relative whose parents are unfit, the process is a complicated one. The first step is to determine whether you are eligible to be an adoptive parent in Colorado, and an Aurora adoption attorney can help. 

Types of Adoption

There are different types of adoption, including:

• Adoption from foster care
• Private domestic adoption
• International adoption
• Stepparent adoption
• Other family adoption, such as grandparent adoption

Who Can Adopt in Colorado?

Colorado adoption laws aim for inclusion, so the law does not set out restrictions based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, or marital status. You could be a single adult or a same-sex married couple, and you can qualify to adopt. This does not mean that everyone is automatically eligible, however. It only means that these cannot be discrimination based on protected factors when it comes to adoption. In addition, married spouses must apply to adopt together unless it is a stepparent adoption.

Adoptive parents must be at least 21 years of age. They should also be prepared to care for a child and continue doing so for the extent of their childhood. Those considering adoption should consider the possible challenges that might come with the type of adoption they are seeking. For example:

• For an adoption from foster care or due to a relative’s parental rights being terminated, the child might need additional mental and emotional support due to a difficult upbringing so far. 
• For international adoption, the child might struggle with race or ethnic identity issues or want to keep in touch with their birth culture.

It is important for adoptive parents to foresee potential challenges of their specific situations and prepare for them. Sometimes, counseling can help parents know if they are ready for a certain adoption scenario. 

Other State Requirements

If you are seeking to adopt from the foster care system, you need to obtain certification as a foster parent in Colorado. You must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be able to pass a background check
• Complete educational training
• Undergo a home study

If you are seeking a private adoption (not through foster care), you also must be 21 years old and pass a background check and home study for domestic private adoption, as well. 

If you are seeking a stepparent adoption, requirements for home studies can be waived since the child’s biological parent also lives in the household. 

Speak with an Aurora Adoption Attorney Today

If you want to learn more about adoption options in Colorado, you should not hesitate to discuss the matter and your eligibility with an Aurora adoption lawyer. CNL Law Firm, PLLC, helps with every single step of the adoption process, including initial discussions all the way through your final adoption order. Call (720) 370-2171 or contact us online to set up a consultation to speak with our legal team.