Denver Step-Parent and Second Parent Adoptions

Denver Step-Parent and Second-Parent Adoptions Lawyer

If you are an adoptive parent or step-parent in Denver, it’s important to ensure that your rights are protected as a parent so that your child can be secure and safe. Depending on the situation of your family, it may make sense to carry out Denver step-parent and second-parent adoptions.

If you are not a biological parent of your child, then you may not have certain rights as a parent, such as parent consent or child custody, in the case that you terminate your marriage or civil agreement. Therefore, it’s important to go through the process of adoption in Colorado. An adoption attorney from Woody Law Firm, LLC, can advise you and represent you when it comes to step-parent and second parent adoptions.

Is It Possible for a Step-Parent to Adopt a Child in Colorado?

In Denver, Colorado, it is possible for a step-parent to adopt their step-child, but this process can be complex. In order for them to become an adoptive parent, the other biological parent of the child must have passed away, neglected their duties as a parent, or be in agreement to give up their custody.

Because the step-parent adoption process is lengthy and can result in long, drawn-out legal battles, it’s important to be aware of all of the requirements involved, as well as the considerations that are taken into account by the courts when deciding on an adoption case.

Denver Step-Parent Adoption

If you would like to get legal rights to your child as a step-parent, then you will need to go through the adoption process. In order to initiate the adoption process, you will need to meet certain criteria. For example, you must be at least 21 years of age and married to the biological or custodial parent of the child that you are looking to adopt.

In order for you to officially adopt your step-child, the other birth parent who is non-custodial will have to consent to their parent-child relationship being legally terminated.

Also, the step-parent has to ensure that the non-custodial birth parent has consented, by their own free will, to give up their legal relationship with their child or that there are enough grounds to justify the dissolution of that relationship. Examples of reasons that can qualify for terminating the relationship between the non-custodial parent and child include:

• The birth parent has neglected to take care of the child for at least a year-long period of time.
• The birth parent has neglected to pay child support for at least a year, and there are no prospects that they will pay in the future.

When the court is deciding on a Colorado adoption case, they will consider the entire family situation and work toward making the decision that is in the interest of the child. They will look at how adoption may impact the child, the child’s age, and their relationship with all of the parties involved. The courts may also consider the emotional and physical state of the parents.

The step-parent adoption process also requires getting multiple background checks, including criminal background checks. It is important to keep in mind that if you have been convicted of certain felony crimes involving sexual violence, violence, or child abuse, then it is not possible to adopt a child.

Second Parent Adoption in Colorado

Second parent adoption is different from step-parent adoption in that the non-biological parent who is trying to get custody of their child does not have to be married to the biological custodial parent, and there is no non-custodial termination of rights. Second parent adoption is commonly used by parents in nontraditional families and in the LGBTQIA+ community.

In a second parent adoption, the other biological parent does not lose their rights as a parent. When it comes to custody and visitation rights in Colorado, adoptive parents typically have the same number of rights as biological parents.

If you are trying to get legal rights as an adoptive parent, it’s very important to put forward a strong case that the adoption would be in the child’s interests. Therefore, it is recommended to work with dedicated family lawyers who have your interests at heart and have worked on cases similar to yours.

Benefits of Step-Parent or Second Parent Adoption for Children in Denver

Step-parent or second parent adoption can have many benefits for children in the state of Colorado. The child will legally be able to have the same last name as their adoptive family members, and they may feel a greater responsibility and belonging to the family after being adopted.

Adoptive children can also be added to any social security benefits or health care insurance policy plans that the adoptive parent is on. Adoptive children in Colorado can also benefit from trusts, life insurance benefits, and other assets from inheritance after the adoptive parent passes away.

If a child has been living without one of their parents for an extended period, then this can be difficult. An adoptive parent can provide additional emotional support to a family, which can have a positive impact on the life of the adoptive child. The adoption lawyers at Woody Law Firm, LLC, are dedicated to establishing your legal status as a parent so that your child can enjoy the benefits of a stable and secure family.

Establishing Your Rights as a Denver Parent

Nothing can replace the strong bond between a parent and a child. If you are a parent who is not legally acknowledged under state law as being the custodial parent of your child, then you may be worried about what that could mean for your child’s safety and support in the future. Luckily, there are multiple options for you to establish your legal status as a parent in Denver.

A family lawyer from Woody Law Firm, LLC, can work with you on your adoption case to advise you on which strategies will be optimal for you and your family. They can use their knowledge and experience working with similar family law cases to ensure that your rights as a parent are protected and that your family is properly recognized under the law. Contact our office today to get started.