Every state in the U.S. is responsible for its own adoption laws, so Colorado's adoption laws will vary from the adoption laws of other states. This is especially important to note for families adopting with a national adoption agency, as they may adopt outside of Colorado, and it can be helpful to familiarize themselves with the expectant mother’s state’s adoption laws when they enter into an adoption opportunity. 

Anytime you have questions about Colorado adoption laws, fill out this online form or call 1-800-ADOPTION. A specialist from American Adoptions will provide you with more information about what to expect throughout the adoption process.

The information below will give you an overview of how domestic adoption laws in Colorado can affect your Colorado adoption process. Remember that the information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice. For that, you should consult your attorney.

Who Can Adopt in Colorado?

To adopt in Colorado, you must be at least 21 years old. Unmarried persons can adopt on their own, but married individuals must petition to adopt with their spouse, except in situations such as stepparent adoptions.

Anyone who wishes to adopt in Colorado must first be approved by a Colorado-licensed home study provider. The adoption home study process includes family interviews, home inspections, background checks, and more. As a national domestic adoption agency with over 30 years of experience, American Adoptions ensures you do not face unnecessary delays while you receive the personal attention, support, and expertise you deserve.

American Adoptions is a licensed full-service adoption agency that provides SAFE home study services for families throughout the entire state of Colorado. Follow this link to begin your home study and to learn more about the services we offer.

Hopeful adoptive parents must meet adoption requirements set by their adoption professional and the type of adoption they’re pursuing, in addition to the standard state adoption laws in Colorado.

Who Can Be Adopted in Colorado?

In order to be eligible for adoption in Colorado, a minor’s biological parents must terminate their legal parental rights.

Termination of parental rights is done voluntarily when an expectant mother makes an adoption plan for her baby with an adoption agency and offers her official consent to the adoption after the birth of her child.

Adults and children who are over the age of 12 must receive pre-adoption counseling and offer their written consent prior to being adopted in Colorado.

People between the ages of 18 and 21 may be adopted if approved by the court.

Colorado Adoption Laws about Advertising

Advertising for adoption in Colorado is illegal for everyone except licensed adoption agencies. This includes advertising to find a birth parent, adoptive parent, or a child to adopt online or through social media.

Colorado Adoption Laws about Birth Parent Expenses

Individual states determine how much and what type of expenses are allowed to be paid to prospective birth parents during the adoption process. These are considered “reasonable birth parent expenses,” and they assist pregnant women in Colorado with the costs of their pregnancy and childbirth. Colorado adoption laws state that adoptive families are financially responsible for the following:

• Attorney fees

• Medical expenses

• And more

All birth parent expenses are approved by a Colorado judge. Birth parent expenses vary based on the individual financial needs of expectant mothers, which vary based on their current situations. It’s illegal to offer payment in any form, including money, favors, or gifts, for the placement of a child.

American Adoptions has a unique Risk-Sharing Program to financially protect adoptive parents in the event of an adoption disruption, where adoptive families would otherwise not recover the value of any paid expenses.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION now to learn more about our Colorado adoption programs.

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