Adoption

Any individual who wants to legally adopt a child in Colorado should be at least 21 years old. For some cases, the court may authorize special cases of adoption to adults under 21. As for married couples in civil unions, they are expected to petition with their spouse, with some exceptions like legal separation cases or stepparent adoptions. There are no gender restrictions in adoption laws that are processed in Colorado. All applicants should just pass their legal requirements to acquire the permission of the court.

In retrospect, the prospective adoptee must be legally approved and available to be adopted first. This can be achieved through the dissolution of his or her biological parents’ parental rights. This can also be done voluntarily by the mother right after she gives birth to the child. The consent must be placed in writing. In some cases, though, the parent’s consent is no longer required, especially if the safety of the child has been compromised. These terms may be considered if the parents lack support or communication for a year or more.

Given Colorado state law, any individual who is legally an adult with an age of 18 or above may apply for adoption. This general classification of adoption has more flexibility, given the consent that the adoptee can contribute to the formal case.

Any individual who is planning to legally care for a family relative can apply for an adoption. The minor’s siblings, half-siblings, grandparents, a first-line cousin, or an aunt or uncle can appeal to the court. To qualify as an adopter, the individual should prove that they have had physical custody and a good relationship with the adoptee for at least one year or so.

For cases where a stepparent wishes to legally adopt the biological child of their spouse, they will take over the rights and responsibilities of the other parent, who consents to cease his or her rights to the minor. A hopeful stepparent who successfully obtains the approval of the court will receive a new birth certificate for the verification of his or her case.

In cases where an individual is not biologically related to the minor, he or she may petition for adoption if the child has already been taken to his or her home and cared for over the course of at least a year. The person may be granted legal approval as a stand-in or permanent guardian, depending on the case.

Colorado also considers the legal adoption of children both in domestic and international settings. The process of international cases is more complex and requires legal assistance.

Different cases require extensive strategies from trusted lawyers to ensure that the prospective parents’ family goals will be attained. Colorado local courts usually have distinctive rules that may differ from state rules. Also, the rights of the biological parents remain to be an important factor. Conflicts may occur when there is contention from the child’s biological parents. Therefore, those who wish to adopt must consider getting legal support from adoption attorneys in Grand Junction, CO. They will help you prepare and strengthen your appeal to win an adoption case. This life-changing event is once in a lifetime. Call Trace Tyler’s office today for a quick consult.