Denver Adoption Lawyers
Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.’s adoption lawyers in Denver help couples to expand their families. With 30+ years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients, you can trust our legal team to deliver skillful assistance in navigating the adoption process.
What You Should Know About Adoption
Adoption is a legal process in which a person or a couple obtains parental rights over another individual. The adopted person may be an adult or child at the time of adoption. If the adopted person is a child, consent of the child’s biological parents is usually required, although exceptions may apply. If the adopted person is over 18 years old, only their own consent is necessary.
Legally adopting another person is not as simple as it might appear. Depending on your circumstances, there may be prerequisites that must be satisfied before an adoption can proceed.
Our Denver adoption lawyers take the time to learn about your circumstances and family dynamics. We will then guide you through the adoption process to reach your goal as quickly as possible.
What We Can Assist With
Step-Parent Adoption
A step-parent can adopt their step-child if both of the child’s biological parents consent or if one has their parental rights terminated. If a parent does not consent to the adoption, a contested hearing may be necessary to show that the parent is unfit and to provide evidence that the adoption should proceed.
Kinship Adoption
An aunt, uncle, grandparent, adult sibling, first cousin, or half-sibling can adopt their minor relative. Before they can do this, however, the relative must have had physical custody of the minor for at least one year. There cannot be a pending neglect case involving the child.
Custodial Adoption
A person can also apply to adopt a minor if they have been in physical custody of the minor for a period of at least one year.
Second-Parent Adoption
Same-sex partners have the ability to adopt their partner’s child, even if they are not married to one another. Once a second-parent adoption is finalized, both partners will be considered to be the child’s legal parents.
Reliable, Respected Legal Guidance
For over 30 years, clients throughout Colorado have turned to Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. for help to grow their families through adoption. Our knowledgeable team provides skilled representation from start to finish. Contact us to learn more about our services.
Why Do I Need an Adoption Lawyer?
The adoption process in Colorado can be complicated. This is especially true when rights are contested. In this situation, there may be one or more court hearings before the child will become eligible for adoption.
Setbacks and hurdles in adoption proceedings can be disheartening and confusing. Your Denver adoption lawyer will help you set realistic expectations and avoid common mistakes that could delay or disrupt the adoption process.
A Closer Look at the Adoption Process
The adoption process begins long before a parents’ rights are terminated—the termination almost always take place at the same time as the adoption.
A parent can contest an adoption. If this happens, a court hearing is usually necessary, with evidence showing that the parent has abandoned or refused to support the child for at least one year.
After this, the adoption can proceed as long as all other legal requirements are met. When the adoption is finalized, the court will assign legal rights and responsibilities to the adoptive family.
Common Types of Adoption in Colorado
There are many circumstances that lead to adoptions in Colorado. Step-parents may want to adopt their step-child to cement a strong bond. Relatives or legal guardians may provide long-term care for a child and want to acknowledge that relationship through adoption.
No matter what your situation might be, you can rest easy knowing that our team of Denver adoption lawyers is available to answer your questions, providing sound advice and guidance throughout the process.
Skilled Adoption Representation in Denver
As your adoption law firm, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., aims to reduce anxiety and stress, allowing you to enjoy the experience of growing your family. Talk to our team of experienced adoption attorneys by calling our Denver office today.
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