Guardianship vs. Adoption
When a close family member or another party assumes guardianship of a child, it is not legally permanent and binding. The child’s biological parent still has parental rights. Adoption, on the other hand, is legally permanent, and once the biological parent’s rights are relinquished, the natural parent cannot take those rights back.
Grandparent Adoptions
Under Colorado Law, if a child’s parent passes away or cannot properly care for and parent a child, the court can provide the child’s grandparent or another eligible party with parenting time, visitation, or custody of the child. The individual must be over the age of 21, have a home that they either rent or own, must successfully pass a background check, and be a resident in the state of Colorado.
That being said, like stepparent adoptions, grandparent adoptions can be a complex process that usually requires the help of a knowledgeable family law attorney.
The Colorado Adoption Process
Under Colorado Law, for a child to be legally eligible for adoption, the child’s biological parents must first relinquish their parental rights, or the court must terminate the biological parent’s rights.
Then, there are several requirements that the adopting parent must fulfill. The adopting parent must:
- Be at least 21 years or older
- Have a stable residence, whether rented or owned
- A resident of Colorado
- Be able to pass background checks
Stepparent Adoptions
Stepparents can adopt a stepchild in Colorado if the child’s biological parent relinquishes their rights, or the court terminates the natural parent’s rights. The biological parent must pay off all back-owed child support, but otherwise, ceases all obligation to pay future child support.
Ideally, the stepparent adoption process would go uncontested. However, there are some cases where a child’s biological parent may not agree with an adoption and may contest it. If the child’s natural parent has not been involved in the child’s life for quite some time, the court may terminate the parent’s rights to the child involuntarily and grant a stepparent adoption if it is in the best interest of the child.
Stepparent adoption is a complex process, but with an experienced attorney by your side, you can be confident that the process will go smoothly.
Set up an initial consultation with our office today. Discuss your case with our Colorado Springs Lawyers at
(719) 212-2448 or complete our contact form.
Adoption & Guardianship Attorneys in Colorado Springs
The adoption process can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. However, if you are thinking about adopting a child or requesting guardianship, there are several legal hurdles you may face.
At The Gasper Law Group, we understand adoption and guardianship are complex issues. Our knowledgeable attorneys are here to protect your rights and make sure the adoption process goes smoothly for your family.
If you are considering adopting or requesting guardianship, and have questions, contact our family law attorneys in Colorado Springs today to schedule a consultation.
Contact Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys Today
If you are considering adopting or assuming guardianship of a child, the experienced attorneys at Gasper Law have over 20 years of experience in representing stepparents, grandparents, and other parties in adoptions, and are here to help you navigate Colorado’s complex adoption laws and make sure that your rights are protected.
For help with your adoption or guardianship case in Colorado Springs, contact The Gasper Law Group today to schedule a consultation.
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"Thank you so much! You helped complete our family and we are forever grateful."Christine, Kris, and Ebony are amazing and compassionate. We enjoyed every interaction. Gasper Law firm keeps appropriate communication and not in excess which keeps our cost low. We are so very grateful. Even if an unexpected turn in our guardianship hearing they remained diligent to ensure things were done in a timely manner. Thank you so much! You helped complete our family and we are forever grateful.- Misty M.
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"I highly recommend that you not waste your time hiring other attorneys and hire the Gasper Law Group."After an absolutely crazy incident that could not have been seen almost anywhere besides a movie. I received some serious charges and was in search of an attorney. They would not only represent me but need to do the right thing because it's the right thing...- Lance F.
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"My charges were dropped and we walked away with all parental rights/custody and a restraining order against the other party."Caryn Adams and her team are hands down the BEST. I don't think I would have made it through what I went through without her by my side. My charges were dropped and we walked away with all parental rights/custody and a restraining order against the other party.- Avarie J.
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"The professionalism, guidance, and candor I’ve received from each person in this law firm has been beyond reproach."
I’m not one to have an extensive experience with law firms or lawyers and court in general. However, the professionalism, guidance, and candor I’ve received from each person in this law firm have been beyond reproach. Anytime, I mean, anytime, I’ve had a question about my case and the way forward, I was met with a friendly and constructive conversation about my case. There was never a doubt in my mind, that I made the right choice when I selected this law firm to represent me. Caryn and Stacie have been a wonderful blessing to my life and my legal proceedings. If you are looking for a no-BS law firm that has a significant reputation in the Springs area, I absolutely recommend this one. Even though I hope to not have to deal with this again, fingers crossed and every lucky charm, I’d trust this law firm with my representation to handle the hard stuff and give me ease with court proceedings. Thank you all for what you do and have done for me, my family, and my career. Bless you all.
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"I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team!"I used the Gasper Law Group when I was going through my divorce and child custody case. I got the outcome I wanted, Carrie Kelly and Kimberly Lucas made my life 10x easier considering i didn’t know what I was doing. They were patient, and caring and even made me laugh a few times. I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team! I’m now happily divorced and got my kiddo 50/50! You guys rock and if anything comes up in the future, I’ll be sure to use you guys! Thanks so much gasper law group for the fast and professional services!- Micheala E.
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"Attentive and supportive"The Gasper Law Group was fantastic. They treated me well and were very open about my situation. The team was attentive and made sure I fully understood everything, supporting me all the way. I would recommend them to anyone for any situation.- Jason E.
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"A courteous, respectful, and efficient group"Highly professional team of attorneys and paralegal staff who work hard to reach the best outcomes for their clients. A courteous, respectful, and efficient group in all phases and aspects of due diligence, and discovery with effective preparation of cases entrusted to them. I recommend them highly and without reservation in all areas of the law in which they are eminently qualified.- Salah H.
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