Colorado § 15-11-117 - No distinction based on marital status.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-11-117 — No distinction based on marital status., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-11-117. No distinction based on marital status.
Except as otherwise provided in section 15-11-114, 15-11-119, 15-11-120, or 15-11-121, a parent-child relationship exists between a child and the child's genetic parents, regardless of the parents' marital status.
Source: L. 2009: Entire section added, (HB 09-1287), ch. 310, p. 1676, § 8, effective July 1, 2010.
Cross references: For another provision on marital status, see § 19-4-103.
COMMENT
Scope. This section, adopted in 2008, provides the general rule that a parent-child relationship exists between a child and the child's genetic parents, regardless of the parents' marital status. Exceptions to this general rule are contained in Sections 2-114 (Parent Barred from Inheriting in Certain Circumstances), 2-119 (Adoptee and Adoptee's Genetic Parents), 2-120 (Child Conceived by Assisted Reproduction Other than Child Born to Gestational Carrier), and 2-121(Child Born to Gestational Carrier).
This section replaces former Section 2-114(a), which provided: "(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), for purposes of intestate succession by, through, or from a person, an individual is the child of his [or her] natural parents, regardless of their marital status. The parent and child relationship may be established under [the Uniform Parentage Act] [applicable state law] [insert appropriate statutory reference]."
Defined Terms.Genetic parent is defined in Section 2-115 as the child's genetic father or genetic mother. Genetic mother is defined as the woman whose egg was fertilized by the sperm of a child's genetic father. Genetic father is defined as the man whose sperm fertilized the egg of a child's genetic mother.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 15-11-117
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-11-117 cover?
Section 15-11-117 ("No distinction based on marital status.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 15-11-117?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 15-11-117" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 15-11-117 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.