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JDF497

Instructions for Validation of Foreign Adoption

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective June 1, 2023

This document provides instructions for the process of getting a court order that proves a foreign adoption is valid. It explains what forms are needed and the steps to file the case with the court.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when someone needs to file a case to get a court decree that confirms an adoption that happened in a country outside of the United States.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What is the filing fee for this process?
A $167.00 filing fee is required 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 do I need to file with the court?
You must complete the necessary forms, pay the filing fee, and provide original or certified copies of the child’s birth certificate and the foreign adoption decree.
If I cannot pay the fee, what should I do?
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.

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