Colorado's Adoption Laws
Colorado
Statute: § 19-1-307(1)-(3)
Records Confidential: Yes
Persons with access to records
CPS/State Agencies
Courts/Judges
Law Enforcement
Attorneys General/Prosecutors
Attorneys, GAL's
Physicians
Researchers
Employers
Parents/Guardians
Coroners
Review Teams
Subject of Reports
Persons without access to records
Agencies From Other States
Grand Juries
Reporters of Abuse
Treatment Providers
Public/Any Person
Other Department
of Education School personnel Child-placing agencies Private adoption agencies
Other persons, as determined by the court
© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
The consent may not be signed until after the birth. Pre-consents are not allowed in the state of Colorado. Revocation Time Frame in ColoradoColorado state law requires an Order of Relinquishment to be given at a court hearing. The consent may be revoked any time up until the court hearing, which usually occurs 2-4 weeks after the birth. The rights of both the birth mother and birth father are terminated at the court hearing.
Colorado
Who May Adopt
Statute: § 19-5-202
Any person
age 21 or older, including a foster parent, may adopt.
A minor may
petition the court for approval.
A person
with a living spouse shall adopt jointly.
Who May Be Adopted
Statute: § 19-5-201
Any child
under age 18 present in the State
A person
over age 18 but under 21 if approved by the court
Who May Place a Child for Adoption
Statute: § 19-5-206
The birth
parent(s)
The court
The county
Department of Social Services
A licensed
child-placing agency
© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Does State have a Putative Father Registry: No
Registry/Paternity Requirements to Receive Notice
Statute: § 19-5-105(2), (3), (5)
To identify a birth parent, the court shall cause inquiry to be made of the known parent and any other appropriate person.
- Must file a paternity action within 30 days after the child's birth or within 30 days after receiving notice that he is the father or likely father.
- Must file an answer within 20 days after service of notice of termination proceedings.
- Notice of termination proceedings is given to every person identified as a birth parent or possible birth parent.
Information Contained in Registry/Claim
Statute:
- Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
Revocation of Claim to Paternity
Statute:
- Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
Access to Information Maintained in Registry
Statute:
- Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Colorado
Birth Parent Expenses Allowed Statute: § 19-5-213
-
Attorney fees and other charges
and fees, as may be approved by the court, are allowed.
-
Physicians and attorneys may
charge reasonable fees for professional services.
Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed
Not addressed in
statutes reviewed
Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption Statute: §
19-5-213(b)
No person other
than an adoption exchange or licensed agency may charge or receive money for
locating or identifying a child or natural parent for adoption or a prospective
adoptive parent.
Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child Statute: §
19-5-213(a)
No person shall
offer or charge any money or other consideration in connection with the
relinquishment and adoption.
Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency Statute: §
19-5-207.5(4)
A person who is the
subject of a home study report and investigation conducted by a county
department shall be required to pay, based on ability to pay, the cost of the
investigation.
Accounting of Expenses Required by Court Statute: § 19-5-208(4)
The adoption
petition shall be accompanied by a standardized affidavit disclosing all fees,
costs, or expenses charged or to be charged by any person or agency in
connection with the adoption.
© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Statutes Include Information on International Adoption: Yes
Effect of Foreign Adoption Decree:
- Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
Validation of Foreign Adoption:
Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-5-205 (1997)
Petitioners may petition court to issue decree declaring valid the decree issued by a court of any country other than the United States.
© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Colorado
Agency or Person Gathering Information
or Preparing Report Statute: § 19-5-207
- Department of Social Services
- Child placement agency
- Qualified individual
Contents of Report About Person to be Adopted Statute: §
19-5-207
- Physical and mental condition
- Family background, including names of parents
if obtainable
- Child's disposition toward adoption
- Length of time child has been in custody of
petitioner
Contents of Report About Birth Parents Statute: § 19-5-207
- Family background, including names, if
obtainable
- Reasons for terminating parental rights
Contents of Report About Adoptive Parents Statute: § 19-5-207
- Physical and mental health
- Emotional stability
- Moral integrity
- Ability to promote welfare of the adopted
person
- Suitability of match
- Criminal background check
- Child abuse and neglect and spousal abuse
history
- Drug convictions
© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
If you are an adoption professional and have updated information for this portion of our site let us know by contacting us at 1-800-ADOPTION or e-mail us at editors@americanadoptions.com.
American Adoptions, Inc. provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.
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