How does Colorados new second parent adoption work?
As of 2007, laws were enacted that allow same-sex couples to adopt. Prior to enactment of the second parent adoption statute, this was impermissible as same-sex marriage is as of yet not recognized in Colorado. Under this new statute, any unmarried couple may share in parental rights and responsibilities. Lesbian couples where one partner bears a child via invitro fertilization have this option, as do gay couples who contract with a gestational surrogate using semen from one partner. However, gay couples must go through the adoption process twice – one partner will adopt, and then the second partner will adopt under the new statute. Adoption can be a long a complicated process, requiring a home study and federal and state background checks. It is important to plan accordingly as the process can be somewhat lengthy.
