What Types of Adoptions Are Available to Families in Colorado?

If you live in Colorado and are interested in adopting a child, you may be unsure where to begin. Therefore, it may be helpful at the outset to understand what types of adoptions are available so that you can decide how best to proceed. According to the Colorado Foster Care and Adoption website, there are generally three different ways you can go about becoming an adoptive parent.

Many families looking to adopt wish to be placed with an infant. If this is the route that you are interested in, then a private adoption will likely be the best method. These are often accomplished through an agency or attorney. You will need to fill out substantive paperwork, produce documentation and a home study will likely be conducted. This is true for any type of adoption you choose. With a private adoption, the birth parents may have a say in who they choose to place their baby with, so the process can be quite lengthy. You can also expect to spend several thousand dollars as the average private adoption costs between $28,000 and $35,000.

Some families choose to adopt a child from another country. Children who are adopted internationally may be older than one year and the paperwork and requirements may vary from country to country. The costs will also depend on the child’s birth country and you may have to travel to that country to complete the adoption.

Finally, you have the option to adopt a child through the foster care system. These children are often older, although some may be younger if they are placed together with their siblings. Once you clear the certification process, a child may be placed in your home and the adoption can be finalized after a minimum waiting period of six months. The costs associated with adopting a foster child are generally very low. This is provided as general information on this topic and should not be considered legal advice.

Tags: Family Law