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How to Adopt a Baby in Colorado [Complete Guide]

If you want to adopt a baby in Colorado, you're in the right place. This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you can start this exciting new chapter.

Maybe you've dreamed of parenthood for years. Maybe you're just beginning to explore your options. Either way, it's normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. We can help you understand Colorado's adoption process and connect you with the support you need.

 Ready to get started? Fill out our form for more free information about the adoption process.

How to Adopt a Baby in Colorado: 5 Steps to Parenthood

If your dream is to become a parent, adopting a baby in Colorado can make that dream a reality. 

At American Adoptions, we’ve helped thousands of families grow through private domestic adoption. Here’s what the process looks like:

Step 1. Contact an Adoption Agency

Choosing the right agency is your first step. When you work with a licensed, full-service agency like American Adoptions, you gain access to expert guidance, legal support and emotional counseling.

Our team will walk you through every part of your adoption journey. Talk to one of our adoption specialists today to learn more.

Step 2. Become an Active Family

Before an expectant parent can choose you, you need to become an active family. Here’s how:

  • Fill out your Adoption Planning Questionnaire. This helps our team understand the type of adoption opportunity you're open to.

  • Complete an adoption home study. A licensed social worker will collect important documents, do background checks, schedule home inspections and interview every member of your household.

  • Create an adoptive family profile. We’ll help you create a video and print profile to help expectant parents learn about you.

Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In a private adoption, the expectant parent is the one who chooses the adoptive family. Once chosen, you'll have a chance to get to know her through phone calls, video chats or even in-person meetings, depending on her preferences.

Step 4. Meet Your Baby

The hospital experience is a powerful and emotional time. We'll work with the expectant parent to create a hospital plan so everyone knows what to expect during labor, delivery and the hospital stay. 

Step 5. Finalize the Adoption

After your baby goes home with you, the final step is to make your adoption permanent in court. This is called finalization and usually happens several months after placement. 

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Colorado?

To work with American Adoptions, hopeful adoptive parents must meet a few key requirements:

  • Be between 25–50 years old

  • Married for at least two years

  • Have no more than two children already

These guidelines help ensure stability and readiness for the journey ahead. 

Learn more about Colorado's adoption requirements.

Families Trust Us: Here's How American Adoptions Supports You

Choosing the right agency is more than a checklist item — it's a decision that shapes your entire experience. 

American Adoptions offers:

  • A licensed adoption professional

    Unlike unlicensed organizations that may overpromise and under deliver, American Adoptions is independently reviewed, follows all state laws and upholds the highest standards of practice.

  • Honest wait times

    American Adoptions utilizes a wide-reaching marketing strategy to connect adoptive families with prospective birth mothers nationwide, reducing wait times. 

  • Financial protection

    In the event of an adoption disruption, the money you put into your adoption will be refunded back to you to use how you deem fit, rather than rolled over into future adoption journeys.

Our national reach, emotional support and 30+ years of experience help increase your chances of a successful placement.

Understanding Adoption Costs in Colorado

You may be asking, "How much does it cost to adopt a baby in Colorado?" With a private agency like American Adoptions, your total costs typically cover:

  • Agency fees

  • Expectant parent living expenses (learn more)

  • Legal fees

  • Medical costs

  • Advertising and outreach

We provide an itemized cost estimate upfront and offer protection through our Risk-Sharing Program. If the adoption doesn’t work out, you’ll receive a refund of post-activation funds.

Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options

Adoption is a significant financial investment, but help is available. We help you budget and suggest adoption financing options like:

  • Adoption grants

  • Low-interest loans

  • Employer benefits

  • The federal adoption tax credit

Our team is here to help you build a plan that works.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Baby in Colorado?

Our wait time for active families is average of 12 months.

What makes our process faster?

Because American Adoptions invests heavily in nationwide advertising, your profile reaches more prospective birth parents, leading to significantly shorter wait times than low-marketing agencies.

Unlicensed adoption professionals aren’t monitored by any governing body and can mislead families about wait times and costs. American Adoptions is fully licensed, which means you receive transparent service.

Local adoption opportunities fluctuate, but national agencies have broader reach and data to provide more accurate and consistent wait time estimates. 

Why It’s So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early

The adoption home study is a required part of every adoption. It includes:

  • Background checks

  • Review of financial and medical records

  • Home safety inspections

  • Interviews with each household member

American Adoptions is fully licensed to provide home studies in Colorado. Our team ensures every step is completed thoroughly and legally.

When Is Adoption Finalized in Colorado?

Finalization takes place at least six months after placement in Colorado. The process typically includes a court hearing where the judge grants your parental rights.

This is the moment when your baby becomes an official member of your family.

Read more about the finalization process in Colorado.

Other Adoption Laws in Colorado

Here are a few key laws that impact adoptive families:

  • Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): The ICWA is a federal law that applies when a child who is a member of or eligible for membership in a federally recognized tribe is being adopted. This law ensures that the child’s tribe is involved in the decision-making process. Read the ICWA rules

  • Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): The ICPC ensures that when a child is adopted across state lines, both states approve the placement. It protects the child and all parties involved.

  • Post-Adoption Contact Agreements: In Colorado, these are informal agreements between adoptive and birth families that outline the type of contact they will maintain after adoption.

Read more about Colorado's adoption laws.

Adoption Attorneys Near Me

These licensed attorneys are part of our trusted network:

  • McArthur Law Firm LLC (Evergreen): Emily McArthur opened her firm in 2006 and focuses solely on assisted reproductive technology law, adoption and estate planning.

  • Law Office of Judith A. Hoechst LLC (Littleton): Judith Hoechst is a former Pediatric ICU and Neonatal ICU nurse who focuses on assisted reproduction and family formation law.

  • Koupal Law Firm (Denver): Laura Koupal founded her firm in 2013 and has several awards and publications.

  • Sarah E. Wilson Law Firm PLC (Ankeny, IA): Sarah Wilson guides clients through the legal process so they can focus on the exciting moments of building their family.

  • Virginia L. Frank PLC (Boulder): Virginia Frank protects her clients’ interests and helps them make informed choices every step of the way.

Different Types of Adoption in Colorado and How They Compare to Private Adoption

Wondering which path is right for your family? Here's how the options compare:

Private DomesticFoster CareInternational
Permanent placementReunification if possiblePlacement of a child from another country
Newborn0-18 years oldVaries
average of 12 monthsUp to 5 years1-5 years
Agency-assistedState-runInternational laws; agency-assisted

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Colorado

Can birth mothers change their mind in Colorado?

Yes. Birth parents can change their minds within 91 days of a relinquishment order if they prove the decision was made under fraud or duress.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Colorado?

No. There is no state tax credit, but the federal adoption tax credit can help. This federal credit allows eligible adoptive parents to claim up to $17,280 in qualified adoption expenses in 2025.

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?

No. American Adoptions welcome LGBTQ+ families. Learn more about our inclusive approach.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Colorado?

Yes. After finalization, the adoptive parents are listed on the new birth certificate. It takes about four weeks to process.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in Colorado?

No. However, American Adoptions requires hopeful adoptive families to commit to a level of openness. At a minimum, we ask families to agree to send photos and letters and coordinate at least one visit within the first five years of the child's life.

Why Wait Any Longer — Adopt a Baby in Colorado Today

We know this journey can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. American Adoptions is here to support you from your first call to finalization. If you’re ready to take the next step, get free information online.

Our Offices in Colorado

We’re here for you statewide. You can visit us at:

Arvada

6275 Joyce Drive, 2nd Floor         

Arvada, CO 80403

Colorado Springs

102 S. Tejon St., Suite 1100

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Denver

1400 16th St. Mall

Denver, CO 80202

Contact us today to fulfill your dream of parenthood.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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