Are you looking into a stepparent adoption in Colorado? Many families want to take the necessary steps to make their blended family “official” in the eyes of the law, and yet very few people know much about how to accomplish this. The good news is that a stepparent adoption is something that is relatively simple to do when you work with a Colorado Springs law firm that specializes in family law.Filing for a stepparent adoption requires that the stepparent files a petition with the Court. In order to qualify, the stepparent must be 21 years of age or older and physically reside in the state of Colorado. While there is no statutory waiting period for the adoption to become final, many courts will not enter the decree of adoption until couple has been married for one year. The spouse of the stepparent must also file his or her consent to the adoption, as well as the child if he or she is over the age of 12.
The most challenging part of any stepparent adoption is the hearing for the termination of parental rights. This is where one of the child’s biological parents relinquishes his or her parental rights, and it can be a highly emotional time for everyone involved. Before this can occur, however, the stepparent petitioning for adoption must undergo a background check.
If you need a Colorado Springs law firm to help you through the process of a stepparent adoption, then contact the family law attorneys at Marrison Law.