Search

• When a child is adopted, this ends all of the birth parents' rights and responsibilities. A birth parent cannot just reappear one day and try to reclaim the child.
• Guardianship does not sever the rights and responsibilities of the birth parents, but means that a caregiver is responsible for the care and custody of the child.
• Legal custody is different than guardianship in that it may be easier to receive government services from the state if you are a guardian rather than a legal custodian.

The collection of restitution can take place over a length of time and depends on the amount owed and the offender’s financial status and ability to pay. As a practical matter, an offender who has no money or potential to make money may be less likely to make meaningful restitution payments.

Court-ordered restitution is due the day it is ordered and must be paid to the Clerk of Court. The offender is directed to meet with a Collections Investigator to establish a payment plan if they are unable to pay in full the day restitution is ordered. The payment plan will include details such as the amount of restitution and any interest owed, payment amounts, and payment due dates.

If an offender is eligible for a Colorado State income tax refund, or other monies disbursed by the state, the court will intercept the money and apply it to the balance owed.

A person convicted of a felony in the following areas will not be allowed to adopt: 

• Child abuse or neglect 
• Spousal abuse 
• Any crime against a child, including, but not limited to, child pornography 
• Any crime of domestic violence 
• Violation of a protection order 
• Any crime involving violence, rape, sexual assault or homicide 
• Any felony physical assault or batter conviction or felony drug-related conviction within the past 5 years. C.R.S. §§ 19-5-207(2.5)(a) and 208(5). 
  • A person convicted of a misdemeanor in the above areas may be allowed to adopt with court approval. C.R.S. § 19-5-207(2.5)(b)(I).

Any qualified person with a disability who has business in a state court, including attorneys, litigants, defendants, probationers, witnesses, potential jurors, prospective employees and public observers of court services and programs may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the local ADA Coordinator or Jury Commissioner.