Boulder Adoption Lawyer

Adoption can be an exciting opportunity to grow your family, but navigating the legal requirements can be stressful and emotional as well. It is important to have a skilled Boulder family law attorney who can walk you through each step, help you meet requirements and deadlines, and advocate for you, especially when challenges arise. Danielsen Westhoff, PC, is ready to support you throughout this process. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with an experienced Boulder adoption lawyer.

Why Choose Danielsen Westhoff, PC?

Danielsen Westhoff, PC, provides valuable insight, devoted service, and protects your rights when you entrust your adoption case to our team. Our Boulder adoption lawyers provide:

  • 30 years of combined legal experience representing clients throughout changing family dynamics
  • Compassionate guidance throughout the adoption process
  • Commitment to exceptional service and fierce advocacy

Types of Adoption in Colorado

Families who pursue adoption in Colorado undergo a process where biological parents give up their legal parental rights so adopting parents can assume the legal rights for caring for the child. Once a birth parent has terminated their rights, they may not reacquire them. There are a few different types of adoption that are important to know so you can meet all the requirements for the type of adoption you wish to pursue. These can include:

  • Step-parent adoption: A step-parent can pursue adoption of their spouse’s children and provide additional, official parental support for the child. The non-spouse birth parent must be deceased or give up their legal rights in order for a step-parent to complete the adoption process.
  • Partner adoption: Similar to a step-parent adoption, but partners of same sex couples can apply to adopt their partner’s child.
  • Legal custody adoption: This type of adoption generally occurs when there are no parents, and the person(s) who have had legal custody of a child for at least a year may file for adoption to assume all legal responsibilities for the care of the child. Biological parents must be deceased or have terminated their rights.
  • Family member adoption: Family members who may pursue adoption can include grandparents, siblings who are at least 21, aunts and uncles, or other applicable relatives.
  • Foster adoption: Foster parents may adopt a child within their care. Foster children are legally adoptable because their parents are not fit to care for them.
  • Domestic or International adoption: Individuals or couples may choose to adopt within the U.S. or abroad. The process, legal requirements, and timelines may vary between these two processes.

Be sure to talk with an experienced adoption attorney in Boulder before initiating the adoption process to understand what options you have and what requirements you must meet.

Understanding and Preparing for Adoption

To adopt a child, you must complete all applicable paperwork, undergo a background check, family assessment or home study, as well as any other relevant steps applicable to the specific type of adoption you are pursuing. Individuals must generally be at least 21 to be eligible to adopt a child. A child must also be eligible for adoption. Additionally, the timeline for adoption can vary significantly due to the type of adoption being pursued and the specific circumstances involved in the adoption process.

Contact Our Boulder Adoption Attorneys Today

The experienced Boulder adoption attorneys at Danielsen Westhoff, PC, can provide guidance and support throughout the adoption process. We understand that adoption can be both exciting and stressful, and we are here to answer your questions and provide valuable support. Schedule a free consultation with our firm when you contact us today.