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How does the adoption process work in Colorado?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Colorado adoption practice is governed by Article 5 of the Children's Code, C.R.S. Title 19.

1. Types of Adoption

  • Agency adoption (C.R.S. § 19-5-203) through a licensed Colorado agency or county department.
  • Private/independent adoption with court approval.
  • Step-parent adoption (§ 19-5-203(1)(d)).
  • Custodial/kinship adoption (§ 19-5-203(1)(e)).
  • Adult adoption (§ 14-1-101).

    • 2. Petitioner Eligibility

    Under C.R.S. § 19-5-202, any person who is 21 years of age or older may petition. A spouse must join unless legally separated. A non-resident may adopt only with court approval.

    3. Consent Requirements

    Under C.R.S. § 19-5-103, a parent's relinquishment of parental rights is filed in Juvenile Court. The court holds a hearing to assess the parent's understanding and voluntariness, then enters an order terminating rights. Under § 19-5-104(7), the relinquishment may be challenged only within 91 days and only on grounds of fraud or duress. There is no automatic cooling-off period.

    4. Home Study

    A pre-placement home study under C.R.S. § 19-5-207 is required for all non-step-parent adoptions and conducted by a licensed Colorado agency or county department. Step-parent and certain custodial adoptions are exempt. A post-placement supervision report is filed before finalization.

    5. Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

    Voluntary via relinquishment. Involuntary TPR is litigated in Dependency & Neglect cases under C.R.S. § 19-3-604. Interstate placements require ICPC approval under § 24-60-1801. ICWA (25 U.S.C. § 1901) applies, with Colorado's many tribal communities requiring careful inquiry.

    6. Finalization Hearing

    The court holds a final hearing typically 6 months after placement (§ 19-5-210). The court enters the Final Decree of Adoption, and the State Registrar issues a new birth certificate (§ 19-5-212).

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Birth parent challenges relinquishment within 91-day fraud/duress window
    • Possible ICWA application requiring tribal notice
    • Putative-father claim and adoption-specific notice
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • C.R.S. § 19-5-200.2 et seq.
    • C.R.S. § 19-5-103
    • C.R.S. § 19-5-207
    • C.R.S. § 24-60-1801 (ICPC)
    • 25 U.S.C. § 1901 (ICWA)

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.