Colorado Adoption Lawyers
The Power of the Adoption Process
Adoption is a powerful process. It is a way of affirming your commitment and love to a child that is not even biologically related to you. The process speaks to the best of what we are as human beings, offering a way to turn a biological stranger into the closest kind of family member.
From a legal perspective, adoption turns a person into the emotional, psychological, financial, and legal parent of a child. What distinguishes an adopted parent from a legal guardian is that a legal guardian possesses all the obligations of a parent, but the actual parental relationship still exists between the child and the biological mother and father. Adoption permanently severs that legal tie and assigns all parental rights, and responsibilities, to the adoptive parent.
Who may adopt a child?
Any person twenty-one years of age or older, including a foster parent, may petition the court to decree an adoption. The individual must pass certain specific background tests, not be convicted of certain violent crimes relating to a spouse or a child, and sufficient financial stability.
Who may BE ADOPTED?
Colorado law allows that any child legally available for adoption as provided for in Colorado Statutes, is under eighteen years of age, and either present in the state at the time the petition for adoption is filed or under the jurisdiction of a court in Colorado for at least six months may be adopted. Further, under certain circumstances, a person eighteen to twenty-one years of age may be adopted.
ADOPTION & FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS
Lawyers play a crucial role in a successful adoption. They file the necessary paperwork and represent the adopted parents in all necessary court hearings and appointments. Lawyers can even conduct adoptions between private parties, often serving as the liaison between hopeful couples and parents looking to offer their child for adoption. Attorneys are able to ensure adoptive parents have full access to a child’s health records and medical history. They can also ensure the biological parents are emotionally prepared for putting the child up for adoption. If you are seeking to adopt a child, The Harris Law Firm is more than happy to help. Our experienced and passionate family law attorneys are familiar with all local and state laws regarding children and adoption, and our guidance can help make the process quicker and easier. In addition, our firm offers “unbundled” legal services, meaning we can bill for limited, specific legal actions. If you only require an attorney to file paperwork, we can offer that specific service, making us a cost-effective choice for you. Whatever the scope of your need for an adoption attorney, our firm is eager to help you in every step of the process.
For questions regarding adoption, or for a consultation, call our firm at (303) 622-5502!
