Colorado § 19-5-202 - Who may adopt.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-5-202 — Who may adopt., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-5-202. Who may adopt.
(1) Any person twenty-one years of age or older, including a foster parent, may petition the court to decree an adoption.
(2) A minor, upon approval of the court, may petition the court to decree an adoption.
(3) A person having a living spouse from whom he is not legally separated shall petition jointly with such spouse, unless such spouse is the natural parent of the child to be adopted or has previously adopted the child.
(4) A person having a living partner in a civil union from whom the person is not legally separated shall petition jointly with the partner, unless the partner is the natural parent of the child to be adopted or has previously adopted the child.
(5) A person who is a partner in a civil union may adopt a child of the other partner through the same process outlined in section 19-5-203 for a stepparent adoption and shall be considered a stepparent for the purpose of determining whether a child is available for adoption pursuant to section 19-5-203 (1).
Source: L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 805, § 1, effective October 1. L. 88: (1) amended, p. 758, § 4, effective May 31. L. 2013: (4) and (5) added, (SB 13-011), ch. 49, p. 167, § 24, effective May 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Editor's note: This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987.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 19-4-106 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For article, "The Adoption of Children in Colorado", see 37 Dicta 100 (1960). For article, "Adoption Procedures of Minor Children in Colorado", see 12 Colo. Law, 1057 (1983). For article, "Lawful Permanent Residence and Citizenship for the Adopted Foreign Child", see 15 Colo. Law. 2207 (1986).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 19-5-202
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-5-202 cover?
Section 19-5-202 ("Who may adopt.") 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 § 19-5-202?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-5-202" (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 § 19-5-202 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.