The Colorado Court Process of Adoption Finalization
Adoption finalization can seem like a prize at the end of a long race. It is a day that most adoptive families look forward to when their family becomes legally complete. However, as much as adoption is a family matter, it is also a legal matter. Adoptions become official when there is a legal transference of custody awarded to the adoptive family.
There are several hurdles to overcome in the adoption process. The court’s role in adoption is to ensure that the adopted child is safe and placed with a loving caring family. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to the court process of adoption finalization.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 303-670-4673 (HOPE) or visit us at Adoption Choices of Colorado.
What Happens before the Finalization of an Adoption?
Adoption laws vary from state-to-state and include important legislation such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). These laws were put in place in order to ensure the safety and well-being of adopted children.
Adhering to both state, federal, and local laws regarding adoption is imperative. However, it is best to consult a professional on the matter. Your adoption attorney will walk you through the entire process to ensure success in the finalization of your adoption.
The finalization occurs after the parental rights of the child’s biological parents have been terminated and the child is in the custody of the state, an agency, or county. The termination of parental rights is one of the most important legal obstacles to overcome in regard to finalizing your adoption, especially if the termination is still actively being sought.
Your adoptive child may have a court-appointed caseworker or attorney. Their job is to advocate solely for the rights and well-being of the child. The caseworker will speak with older children and discuss their wishes. They may speak on behalf of the child in court. However, it is important to remember that their intentions are to make sure the child is placed in a loving home, their job is to remain objective.
Adoption Finalization in Court
The finalization of an adoption results in the adoptive parents becoming the legal parents of the child and gaining full custody. This is signified by an adoption certificate or an adoption decree, which is a document given by the courts and bearing a judge’s signature.
Every adoption is unique, especially when it comes to the court process. The court process of adoption varies from state-to-state and even county-to-county. One judge may not require the appearance of the family in court, while another may encourage it. There are several steps in the process that vary within a given finalization in court, but here are some general guidelines of what to expect:
- Being sworn in. You and your family may have to be sworn in when you attend your adoption finalization.
- A review of the adoption. A caseworker may go over details and reports of the adoption thus far. This may include the findings of your home study and post placement reports and a review of how long the child has been living with you.
- Being questioned. You and your family may be questioned by the judge about your intent to adopt. If the child is old enough the judge may also ask for his or her input, as well.
Once all of this is completed, the judge will conclude that your adoption is final and sign your adoption decree. As this can be an emotional moment, the judge may allow for pictures to be taken. The new birth certificate will be produced after the adoption decree is entered into the court record.
You may also choose to celebrate this incredible moment. Balloons and a cake can make this legal process a real celebration. You can invite your extended family members to the affair, as well. This can be a great way to show the adopted child your excitement about them officially becoming a member of your family.
Post Adoption Services in Colorado
Once your adoption is finalized, you may still need assistance to ensure that your transition period runs as smoothly as possible. Making use of post-adoption services including those offered by your adoption agency, county, or state is recommended. New families might join some adoptive parent groups in their area or virtually while birth mothers might join a birth mother adoption support group. We can offer private adoption services through post placement.
Adoption Court Process with Adoption Choices of Colorado
Adoption finalization is a huge moment for you and your family. The official addition of your adopted child to your family should be celebrated as it solidifies your relationship to one another. The legality of adoption is complicated and should be handled by the professionals. Your adoption agency and attorney are the best resources available. They will help you throughout your journey and work to keep you informed.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about your adoption options, contact Adoption Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Stephanie joined the Adoption Choices family in 2014 as the Child Placement Supervisor. Her love for adoption began in first grade when she made friends with twins adopted from Vietnam. Her heart grew strong over the years for adopted children and ultimately led her to graduate school where she continued her focus to her dream of working in the adoption field. Stephanie earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2001. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked as a pregnancy counselor and as an adoptive parent counselor for foster care, international adoption and domestic adoption, writing hundreds of home studies for families, and helping build their forever families. Stephanie is married and has three boys ages 12, 9, and 5. Together with her family she enjoys riding bike, playing games, watching her three sons compete in their various sporting and musical activities and go on vacations.
Christy Ikeler, is our Executive Director and Birth Parent Director. Christy has been with Adoption Choices Team for 18 years, since opening the doors in 2002! Christy has a true passion for what she does and her true love is working with and helping each birth parent. Whether she is up all night on the phone talking with them, taking them to doctors appointments, out for their favorite treat, providing counseling or at the hospital during labor and delivery, Christy is very involved every step of the way. She has a contagious laugh and a spunky personality that our birth moms all can bond with and relate to. As an adoptive parent herself, adoption holds a very special place in her heart and she can relate on every level with both birth parents and adoptive parents. In her free time Christy loves spending time with her daughter, gardening, baking and taking vacations with her family. Christy is an excellent leader for our team at Adoption Choices and is truly one of a kind!! As Executive Director, Christy spends time with the staff, birth parents and adoptive families in order to ensure that the agency is running smoothly. She has placed a huge emphasis on community outreach and programs for birth parents. Christy loves the opportunity to lead the agency into a brighter future.
Ms. Mackenzie has built a successful counseling career over the past 20 years, supporting mothers and families, people of all ages and genders, students, community professionals and fellow clinicians. Liv values a diverse professional focus, including the entrepreneurial life of a sole proprietor, the evaluative process of certifying foster/adoptive homes, the insightful and mindful one-on-one one work with enthusiastic clients, and serving as an advocate for underserved populations. Liv is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Pre-Law and Economics from American University, an MA in Counseling from Adams University and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University. Away from work you will find Liv spending time in nature, biking to the farmer’s market and adventuring with her family.
Catherine A. Madsen, joined the Adoption Choices family as legal counsel in 2013. Catherine is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Agency, training and updating staff on developments in adoption law and legislation, and program development. Catherine
Virginia Frank is an adoption attorney accredited since 1991 with the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Ms. Frank is a leader in the field of private adoption and has completed over 4,000 adoptions in her career. Ms. Frank has a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a BA in both Political Science and Communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Cassidie has been with Adoption Choices since 2015, she has her bachelors in Interdisciplinary Affairs with concentrations in both Sociology and Business Management. Cassidie has additional training in Victim Advocacy, foster care and has been working in women’s services for over 10 years. Cassidie has always had a heart for adoption and it was her career dream to work in adoption. She started off doing volunteer work for advocacy programs, adoption organizations and worked in High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine through the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Cassidie is also blessed to have personally experienced an adoption of her own in 2012, completing her family of five! Cassidie loves what she does as a case worker from initial phone calls, meetings, doctor appointments, interaction with the adoptive families to delivery and counseling. Cassidie has a passion for those in need and strives to help make a difference in the lives of the people she meets. She is a firm believer in being kind, compassionate and open minded in all situations. “Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, there’s no place for judgment. A kind word or compliment can go a long way!” The bittersweet moments in adoption reminds Cassidie each and every time, why she loves what she does!