Colorado § 19-4-102 - Parent and child relationship defined.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-4-102 — Parent and child relationship defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-4-102. Parent and child relationship defined.
As used in this article, "parent and child relationship" means the legal relationship existing between a child and his natural or adoptive parents incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. "Parent and child relationship" includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
Source: L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 793, § 1, effective October 1.
Editor's note: This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-102 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For comment, "Bastardizing the Legitimate Child: The Colorado Supreme Court Invalidates the Uniform Parentage Act Presumption of Legitimacy in R. McG. v. J.W.", see 59 Den. L.J. 157 (1981). For comment, "The Unwed Father's Parental Rights and Obligations After S.P.B.: A Retreat in Constitutional Protection", see 60 Den. L.J. 659 (1983).
Annotator's note. The following annotations include cases decided under former provisions similar to this section.
One basic purpose of this article is the establishment of the parent-child relationship, and another is the protection of that relationship. R. McG. v. J.W., 200 Colo. 345, 615 P.2d 666 (1980).
The definition of a "parent and child relationship" applies to a parent and child relationship once it has been declared and clarifies that it is the legal equivalent of the traditional relationships recognized between children and their adoptive or natural parents. A presumed father's admission that he is not the biological parent does not necessarily rebut the presumption of fatherhood that arises by receiving the child into his home and openly holding that child out as his natural child when no judgment has been entered that establishes the paternity of another man. In re A.D., 240 P.3d 488 (Colo. App. 2010).
Applied in People in Interest of S.P.B., 651 P.2d 1213 (Colo. 1982).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 19-4-102
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-4-102 cover?
Section 19-4-102 ("Parent and child relationship defined.") 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 § 19-4-102?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-4-102" (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 § 19-4-102 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
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