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A non-family member can petition the court to adopt a child they are caring for if: 

• The birth parents have abandoned the child for one year or more, or 
• The birth parents have failed to provide reasonable support for the child, such as failing to pay child support, for one year or more. 
• The non-family member must have legal custody over the child established either through an Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR) or Guardianship case. The non-family member will petition the court for a “Custodial Adoption.” C.R.S. § 19-5-203(k)

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).

Visit the Adoption Self-help forms page. 

You will want to check with your local courthouse to make sure, but most courthouses will take Cash, Check, Credit Card, Debit Card or Money Order as acceptable forms of payment. Proof of ID will be required.