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Growing Your Family Through Adoption Or Assisted Reproductive Technology? Our Team Can Help.

There is no one right way to have a family. But, while assisted reproductive technology (ART) and adoption are both powerful tools for growing a family in a “nontraditional” way, these avenues can come with legal challenges and complexities. If you are considering either adoption or ART in Denver or the surrounding areas of Colorado, contact our experienced attorneys at Harrington Brewster Mahoney Smits, P.C. They can help you understand all the legal implications of the journey that you are embarking on and can protect you and your family throughout the process.

Strengthening Bonds Through Adoption

When hearing the word “adoption,” many people think of adopting an infant from outside the United States. Thankfully, there are many other options as well, including:

  • Stepparent adoptions: A stepparent adoption is a legal process in which a new husband, wife or partner seeks to adopt the child of their spouse or partner. In order for a stepparent adoption to occur, the biological parent without child custody must terminate their parental rights. A stepparent adoption can also occur if the biological parent’s location is unknown.
  • Adoptions by grandparents and other family members: Our law firm provides assistance to grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members wishing to adopt a minor child. An adoption – as opposed to a guardianship – permits greater legal responsibilities for the caregiver. An adopted child can receive an inheritance from their adoptive parents. Additional legal privileges also separate an adoption from a guardianship.
  • Second-parent adoptions: A second-parent adoption is a legal process that allows a child who has one sole legal parent to be adopted by another parent. Although the sole legal parent must consent to the adoption, their rights are not terminated by the second-parent adoption. A second-parent adoption can be used to help gay and lesbian couples adopt a child in Colorado.
  • Other adoptions: Our attorneys can assist you with other types of adoption, including agency adoptions, open adoptions, closed adoptions and foster parent adoptions.

The adoption process can be long and complicated. Our lawyers are here to help make it go as smoothly as possible, with the ultimate goal of helping your family grow. They have helped countless families throughout the Denver area in all areas of family law.

Knowledgeable Guidance In Assisted Reproductive Technology Law

ART provides assistance with pregnancy and childbirth through the use of medical technology to those looking to build their families. ART law encompasses the creation of sperm donor agreements, egg donor agreements and surrogacy agreements. ART law also includes the facilitation of stepparent and second-parent adoptions as well as the obtainment of pre- and post-birth certificate orders so that intended parents are placed on their child’s birth certificate.

ART is a growing and quickly evolving field, and the corresponding law varies greatly from state to state. Due to the unique and ever-changing nature of the legal issues raised in connection with ART, it is important that all parties, including intended parents, donors and surrogates, be fully advised of their roles, obligations and rights. ART-related agreements are highly negotiable. These agreements must be in writing and should clearly define each participant’s role, obligations and rights. It is also important that all such agreements anticipate and thoroughly address any reasonably foreseeable complication that may arise. Our knowledgeable attorneys are experienced in ART law and can assist families with the negotiating and drafting of surrogacy, sperm donor and egg donor agreements; the obtainment of pre- and post-birth orders; and the facilitation of stepparent and second-parent adoptions.

Contact Us To Discuss How Our Attorneys Can Help Your Family Thrive

To schedule a consultation about your adoption or ART law matter, contact our office in Denver, by calling 720-736-7078. You can also send us a message online.