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JDF 495

Instructions for Second Parent Adoption - Without a Civil Union

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective June 1, 2023

This document provides instructions for the process of a second parent adoption without a civil union. It outlines general rules, required background checks, and the specific forms needed to start the adoption case.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This guide is used by someone who is planning to file for a second parent adoption in Colorado. It details the steps and paperwork needed to begin the legal process.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is the filing fee for an adoption?
The filing fee is $167.00 for each adoption. If you are adopting more than one child under the same circumstances, an additional $3.00 Vital Stats fee is needed for each extra child.
What must the prospective adoptive parent do before filing?
The prospective adoptive parent must complete both state and federal fingerprint-based criminal history record checks, and also complete a TRAILS background check from the Department of Human Services.
If I cannot pay the filing fee, what should I do?
If you are unable to pay, you must complete the Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205) and submit it to the Court.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect June 1, 2023.

Related forms

  • JDF 454

    Verified Statement of Fees Charged

    This form is a statement that lists all the fees that have been charged to the person(s) asking for an adoption. It requires the person filing it to confirm that the listed fees are true and correct.

    Word
  • JDF 504

    Petition for Second Parent Adoption - Without a Civil Union

    This form is a request to the court asking for permission to adopt a child when the child already has one legal parent. The person filling it out provides personal details and information about the child and the sole legal parent.

    Word
  • JDF 508

    Consent to Adoption - Sole Legal Parent - Without a Civil Union

    This form is a statement where a person confirms they are the only legal parent of a child and agree to the adoption of that child by another person. It requires the person signing to swear that the information is true.

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  • JDF 511

    Consent to Adoption (Child Over 12)

    This form is a legal agreement where a child who is over 12 years old gives their permission for an adoption to happen. The child signs this form to show they agree to the adoption and give up certain legal notices required by law.

    Word1 translation
  • JDF 514

    Notice of Hearing (adoption)

    This form is a notice that tells a parent that someone has filed paperwork asking the court to adopt a child. It informs the parent about the date and time of the adoption hearing.

    Word1 translation
  • JDF 523

    Decree for Second Parent Adoption - Without a Civil Union

    This form is a final court order that officially grants an adoption for a second parent. It records that the court has reviewed several documents and found that the adoption is in the child's best interest.

  • JDF1091

    Attachment to the Petition (Family Cases)

    This form is an attachment to a Petition used in family cases. It asks for extra information, such as listing children under 19 and detailing any other court cases involving the people or children.

    Fillable PDF
  • JDF1099

    How to Serve the Other Party

    This form explains the different ways a person must officially give court papers to another person in a case. It describes three methods: getting the other party to agree to accept the papers, having a professional hand-deliver the papers, or publishing the notice if the other party cannot be found.

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