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According to U.S. Census data, the number of minor children being raised by someone other than their parent(s) has dramatically increased over the past 25 years.  Not surprisingly, the majority of these children are being raised by grandparents.  The most recent figures suggest that well over six million children are living in households headed by grandparents or other non-parental relatives, with neither parent present. 

If you find yourself in the position of wanting to legally adopt your grandchild(ren) in the state of Colorado, a Colorado Springs child custody lawyer can help ensure the process goes smoothly. 

Some of the most common reasons why Colorado Springs area grandparents adopt include:

• Death of a parent or parents
• Substance Abuse
• Child abuse or neglect
• Abandonment
• Unemployment / Poverty
• Divorce
• Mental Health Problems

Grandparents who decide to adopt face some specific obstacles that are not usually encountered by their biological parents.  For one, they are older and less energetic than their children.  It may be difficult for them to afford the type of housing they need to live with the children, or to stay current with what is going on in their grandchildren’s lives.  Without the ability to legally adopt the children, grandparents would be unable to add the children as a dependent on tax returns or place them on health insurance policies.  Even enrolling a child in Colorado Springs area schools can be difficult without a legal adoption.

Adoption is just one of many options for Colorado Springs grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.  Other options include guardianship and legal custody.  However, absent a legal adoption, the grandparents do not have parental rights.  Grandparent adoption can be a long and emotional process, especially when it involves a legal proceeding against one’s own child, but it is important to keep the best interests of the children in mind. 

If you have questions about grandparent adoption and would like to learn more about the process, a Colorado Springs child custody lawyer can provide valuable assistance and representation.

Patricia Marrison is a Family Law attorney in Colorado Springs, CO. and the owner of the Marrison Family Law LLC, Colorado Springs largest Family Law practice.  The Marrison Family Law LLC is devoted to assisting with the difficulties of the breakup of relationships, be it common law marriage, a non-marriage with children, or dissolution with or without children. We attempt to serve the entire spectrum of relationships, from those couples with the simplest, uncontested dissolution to the highly conflicted relationship involving allegations of domestic abuse.