Colorado § 19-5.5-203 - Prohibited custody transfer.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-5.5-203 — Prohibited custody transfer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-5.5-203. Prohibited custody transfer.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child or an individual with whom a child has been placed for adoption may not transfer custody of the child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the child.
(2) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a child, or an individual with whom a child has been placed for adoption, may transfer custody of the child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to permanently abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the child only through:
(a) A legal adoption or guardianship proceeding;
(b) Judicial award of custody;
(c) Other judicial or tribal action; or
(d) Colorado's safe haven law as described in section 19-3-304.5.
(3) A person may not receive permanent custody of a child, or act as an intermediary if permitted under other law of this state, in a transfer of custody of a child if the person knows or reasonably should know the transfer violates subsection (1) of this section. This prohibition does not apply if the person, as soon as practicable after the transfer, notifies the state department of the transfer or takes appropriate action to establish custody under subsection (2) of this section.
(4) Violation of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor.
(5) Violation of subsection (1) of this section is not established solely because a parent, guardian, or custodian who transfers custody of a child does not regain custody.
Source: L. 2023: Entire article added, (HB 23-1157), ch. 86, p. 301, § 1, effective April 17.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 19-5.5-203
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-5.5-203 cover?
Section 19-5.5-203 ("Prohibited custody transfer.") 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 § 19-5.5-203?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-5.5-203" (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 § 19-5.5-203 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.