Adoption is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Since establishing Karin Johnson Chatfield LLC as a Denver family law firm in 1993, I have Coloradans to overcome the challenges and embrace the joys of adoption. With experience and passion, I guide hopeful parents through each step of the legal process, explaining state, federal and international requirements. My goal is to help you share your love with a child in a supportive and stable home.
A trusted family law attorney with more than 30 years of experience, I handle adoptions of all kinds. The three most common types of adoption in Colorado are:
The adoption process can include home visits, criminal background checks and extensive paperwork. I will assist you at every step so that you can you grow your family as easily as possible.
In an open adoption, the adoptive parents and biological parents share information with one another. Open adoption agreements may allow for regular communication and visits between the child and birth parents, whereas others are more limited in scope. These adoptions benefit all parties: adoptive parents can learn about the child’s family and medical history while birth parents know who will raise their child and can be kept updated about how the child is doing. The child can establish a loving relationship with each parent and gain peace of mind, as long as birth parents and adoptive parents honor the adoption agreement.
In a closed adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents know little about each other. The birth parents may provide medical records and other important information, but identifying details are kept confidential. Birth parents cannot contact the child or adoptive parents. This option may be preferable to birth parents who are not prepared to establish a relationship with the child and for adoptive parents who want to avoid a complicated family dynamic. Potential disadvantages include the child’s inability to gain closure about the adoption or to learn about their biological family. Birth parents who choose a closed adoption may face an uphill battle if they later want to establish contact.
Some adoptions involve adults and children who already have an established relationship:
Adult adoption is also an option in Colorado. Through this court process, an adult can establish a legal parental relationship with a consenting adult over the age of 18. If you seek to add to your family through adoption, you can rely on my trusted counsel and guidance along the way.
From the Denver, Colorado office of Karin Johnson Chatfield LLC, I have guided hundreds of area families through their adoption journeys. If you are ready to welcome a child into your home, call 720-386-5511 or contact me online to schedule your free initial consultation.