Helping Clients Through The Process Of Stepparent Adoptions
Legalizing your parenting relationship with your stepchild through adoption is a wonderful gift to the child and your family. Front Range Family Law helps stepparents and the natural parent terminate the existing rights of the other biological parent so that the stepparent adoption can proceed. Rebecca Gumaer is an adoption attorney serving clients throughout Wheat Ridge, Littleton and the Denver Highlands.
Colorado law requires adopting stepparents to meet several criteria before they can adopt a child. A stepparent must:
- Be older than 21
- Have a clean criminal record
- Live with the natural parent and child for more than a year
- Provide financial support
- Engage in parenting activities with the child
We know that the stepparents are motivated by the rewards of parenting and the peace mind that they will have legal rights to the children that they love. At Front Range Family Law, our job is to make the adoption as simple and straightforward as possible.
Becoming A Parent
To be sure, petitioning for stepparent adoption is a complicated process. In Colorado, stepparent adoptions require the consent of both the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent. In cases where the noncustodial parent is incapable or unwilling to provide consent for the stepparent adoption, the stepparent and the custodial parent have to petition the family courts to terminate the noncustodial parent’s legal relationship to the child.
Courts in Colorado make adoption decisions on the basis of what is best for the child. For instance, the stepparent must be able to demonstrate a willingness and ability to care for the physical, emotional and financial needs of the child. Additionally, for stepchildren 12 years of age or older, the stepparent must also have the child’s consent to the adoption.
Our firm helps stepparents formalize their relationship with stepchildren. Our law office exclusively practices in family law, and we have extensive experience helping blended families successfully complete stepparent adoptions.
Contact Front Range Family Law For A Free Evaluation
Adopting a child is a rewarding experience with some legal pitfalls. To ensure that your adoption proceeds seamlessly, contact Front Range Family Law in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Call 303-416-8505 or email our office for assistance.