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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I really want to Thank Jack, Emily, and Therese for all their hard work taking care of my sister Pamela Bellos’s estate , they answered every call, every email from me in the long process of this probate and they all was very professional
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"If you need legal help use Gasper, ask for Christine I am thankful I did!!!"I don't write many reviews! Gasper Law Group proved to be worthy of my highest recommendation. Everyone at some time will need some legal service, but where to go. I want you to know Gasper Law Group can help you save what you might stand to lose. I really want you to know Christine S. is the finest Family Law Attorney you will find. Christine is experienced, committed to her clients, and will help save what whats most important to you. I would so like the leadership of Gasper Law Group to know how fortunate they are to have a team member of her Caliber. If you need legal help use Gasper, and ask for Christine I am thankful I did!!!- Eric D.
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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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"I was absolutely floored with the knowledge and expertise that not only Caryn carries, but the firm as a whole."I, unfortunately, was involved with two separate situations within a few years of each other, which left me in quite a bind both times. I was lucky enough to have Caryn assist me in both cases and was absolutely floored with the knowledge and expertise that not only she carries, but the firm as a whole. One of the best, if not the best lawyers I've ever come across. Extremely nice and very honest. I was able to resolve my situations with minimal impact and continue my life without fear of being held back.- Former Client
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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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"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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