Family Law Blog

Arapahoe County Mother Sues for Paternity in Colorado

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on September 15, 2011

A mother has filed for paternity in Colorado after her former partner took the daughter she adopted and moved to Norway, according to TheDenverChannel.com. The mother claims to have helped adopt and raise the child that was taken away.

The mother and her partner had adopted two girls in 2006. At the time, Colorado law did not allow two women to be named as parents, so both the mother and the partner each adopted one girl. However, both children and both parents took the same last name in court. The women’s relationship ended in 2009, and when the mother filed for parental rights, her former partner moved to Norway with the girl she had adopted. Although she is allowed one week of parenting time every month in Norway, she wants her daughter to be returned to the U.S.

The mother has filed for paternity, using a similar case from 2010. That year, a Colorado Appeals Court granted full parental rights to a non-biological father. He was also recognized as the full legal parent. The mother hopes she will be afforded the same constitutional rights and that she will not be discriminated against because she is a woman.

Establishing paternity can be very complicated. As proven by the 2010 Colorado court decision above, being the biological father of a child is not necessary to be granted paternal or parental rights. If you have questions regarding Colorado paternity law or want to officially establish your parental rights, contact the experienced paternity attorneys in Denver for a consultation at 303-458-5500.