Fort Collins, Colorado Adoption Attorneys Help Families Realize Their Dreams

We shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on adding a new member to your family

The adoption process should be a happy experience, but legal regulations and unexpected hurdles often make the journey confusing and lengthy. At Shufflebarger Law Office, our Fort Collins adoption attorneys deftly handle the complex legal procedures and frustrating red tape to make the process as seamless and efficient as possible. We have significant experience handling all types of adoptions including domestic, international and stepparent adoptions.

Full-service adoption representation designed to protect your family’s best interests

Many people are unaware of the many kinds of adoptions available. It is important to thoroughly research your options and determine the best avenue for your family’s specific situation. We handle various types of adoptions, including:

• Domestic adoptions. Families seeking to adopt a child born in the United States must comply with domestic adoption regulations. Biological parents must legally consent to the adoption.
• International adoptions. International adoptions help place children born outside of the United States with American families. You must comply with the adoption laws of both the United States and the child’s home country.
• Stepparent adoptions. If you wish to adopt your spouse’s child, you may pursue a stepparent adoption. This process is typically much faster than regular adoptions. We help clients file the necessary paperwork and obtain consent from the biological parent if necessary.
• Termination of parental rights. Before a child is free to be adopted by a new family, the biological parent(s)’ rights must be terminated through a Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing.

Regardless of what type of adoption you are interested in, our attorneys are ready to provide the legal resources and advice you need to make the best decisions for your family.

What are the differences between closed and open adoptions?

The legal procedures for pursuing closed and open adoptions are similar but the long-term differences are obvious. Closed adoptions, also known as confidential adoptions, have historically been the standard protocol. With a closed adoption, the records and information about the biological parents remain sealed and unavailable without extensive legal interference. The biological parents have no knowledge about the adoptive family and are unable to contact the child.

Open adoptions are now more common, especially for domestic adoptions. During an open adoption, the biological and adoptive parents interact and share full identifying information. Generally, the biological parent is entitled to maintain contact with the child and adoptive family throughout the years following the adoption. Our compassionate adoption attorneys have extensive experience handling both open and closed adoptions.

Fort Collins adoption attorneys provide reliable legal guidance

At Shufflebarger Law Office, PC, our northern Colorado adoption attorneys stay by your side through each step of the process. To discuss your options during a consultation at our Fort Collins office, call 970-232-9732 or send an email today.