If you’re one of many Colorado families considering welcoming a child into your family through the legal process as opposed to birth, you’ll want to be as well-informed as possible. Lack of knowledge regarding state laws, as well as inexperience, can cause complications to arise that are difficult (and stressful) to resolve. On the contrary, being well-prepared and organized, and having a strong support team, can help make the child adoption process a pleasurable and memorable experience.
There are 10 common errors you’ll want to avoid while navigating the child adoption process. Each of these pitfalls can cause immediate obstacles that impede your ability to finalize your adoptive child’s paperwork. In addition to knowing what errors to avoid, you’ll also want to know where to seek support if a legal problem arises.
Lack of research can bring child adoption to a screeching halt
Besides the legalities of child adoption, there are numerous other issues involved, such as expenses associated with a specific process, the health background of the biological parents and more. Failing to conduct thorough research ahead of time can cause your entire case to fall apart. It might even make it impossible for you to complete the adoption process.
Avoid breaking rules in the child adoption process
Each state, including Colorado, operates under its own child adoption laws and guidelines. Even if you have adopted a child in another state, it is wise to make sure you understand this state’s laws rather than assume they are the same. Breaking a rule can not only impede the adoption process, but it can also be a safety risk for the child in question.
Adhere to all rules regarding biological parents
Colorado child adoption laws provide three primary options, including closed, semi-open and open adoptions. Each of these options pertains to the biological parents of a child and whether they will have access to the child throughout his or her childhood. Make sure you understand the rules that each option carries before choosing the one that best fits your family’s needs. Breaking the rules, such as agreeing to an open adoption and then denying a biological parent access to the child, can spark serious legal problems.
Avoid these child adoption errors as well
The following list shows seven additional errors you’ll want to avoid if you plan on adopting a child in Colorado or any other state:
- Specifying a gender can slow down or impede the child adoption process
- Same is true for parents who refuse to adopt kids older than two
- Posting pictures of your adopted child online without reviewing Colorado rules regarding social media and adoption
- Not seeking support past finalization of documents
- Not obtaining legal assistance when needed
- Not ensuring credibility of an adoption agency
- Adopting for impractical reasons, like “trying to save the world”
Avoiding the 10 pitfalls of child adoption helps lay the groundwork for a smooth process carried out in accordance with Colorado adoption laws. Being mindful of these issues helps minimize stress and helps build a team of support that can be of service to you and your family throughout your adopted child’s lifetime.