Family Law Blog

Stepparent Adoption Done Right

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on September 30, 2009

Stepparent adoption is a process through which a child’s biological parent surrenders his or her rights to the new spouse of the other biological parent. Once such an adoption occurs, the relinquishing biological parent surrenders all rights and responsibilities for the child, including visitation rights and child support payments. According to Colorado statute 25-2-113.5, “adoption is based upon the legal termination of parental rights and responsibilities of birth parents and the creation of the legal relationship of parent and child between an adoptee and his adoptive parents.”

Laws can vary from state to state in regard to the necessary steps that need to be taken to become an adoptive parent, so it is good idea to consult with qualified legal counsel prior to starting the adoption process. In most cases, consent of some kind needs to be given by the parent that is relinquishing parental rights, and parties involved will need to appear before a judge. The person petitioning to become the stepparent may have to submit to background checks or other forms of screening. In any event, all the necessary paperwork must be filed in order to make the adoption process official.

Some helpful steps to remember during the adoption process may help prevent error from arising. Becoming aware of adoption laws in your area, preferably with an experienced family law attorney by your side, contacting the court, filing the necessary paperwork, and attending all court dates are effective ways of making your adoption experience that much simpler. First and foremost, remember that the well-being of your child should always be placed at the forefront of all decisions that are going to affect him or her.

The experienced Denver family law attorneys at Kaplan Law, LLC are well-versed in a wide range of family law matters and are here to help answer all your adoption questions. If you are a stepparent and are looking to become the legal guardian of your spouse’s child, please don’t hesitate to contact Denver’s family law attorneys at Kaplan Law, LLC. Call us today at 1-877-527-5206 for more information.

Source Article: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_step.cfm