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JDF 498

Instructions for Kinship Adoption

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective May 1, 2026

This document provides instructions for the Kinship Adoption process. It lists required background checks, necessary consultations, and other steps that must be followed when filing for an adoption.

Open the official PDFfrom Colorado Judicial Branch

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This guide is used by people who are filing for a Kinship Adoption case. It outlines the steps and forms needed to start the adoption process in Colorado.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is a Petitioner in this process?
The Petitioner is the person or people who file the Petition for Adoption to start the process.
What kind of background checks are required?
Prospective adoptive parents must complete fingerprint-based criminal history record checks from the CBI and FBI, and also complete a TRAILS background check from the Department of Human Services.
If the child is not legally eligible for adoption, what must the Petitioner do?
The Petitioner must show proof that they consulted with the local County Department of Social Services about the child's possible eligibility for various public assistance services.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect May 1, 2026.

Related forms

  • JDF 454

    Verified Statement of Fees Charged

    This form is a statement that lists all the fees that have been charged to the person(s) asking for an adoption. It requires the person filing it to confirm that the listed fees are true and correct.

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  • JDF 505

    Petition for Kinship Adoption

    This form is a request to the court to legally adopt a child who is related to the person or people filing the form. It asks the court to declare the child as the legal child of the petitioner(s) and to change the child's name.

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  • JDF 506

    Notice of Adoption and Summons

    This form officially notifies someone that a Petition for Adoption has been filed in court. It tells the person who received it that they have a set amount of time to file a response with the court.

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  • JDF 507

    Waiver of Service (adoption)

    This form allows a person who is a respondent in an adoption case to sign a document saying they have received certain court papers. It also includes a section for someone who served the papers to sign, proving they delivered the documents.

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  • JDF 510

    Consent to Adoption - Non-Custodial Parent

    This form is a written agreement where a birth parent who is not the primary caregiver agrees to the adoption of a child by the person or people listed in the case. The parent signs this to show they willingly consent to the adoption.

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  • JDF 511

    Consent to Adoption (Child Over 12)

    This form is a legal agreement where a child who is over 12 years old gives their permission for an adoption to happen. The child signs this form to show they agree to the adoption and give up certain legal notices required by law.

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    Notice of Hearing (adoption)

    This form is a notice that tells a parent that someone has filed paperwork asking the court to adopt a child. It informs the parent about the date and time of the adoption hearing.

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  • JDF 515

    Motion to Waive Family Assessment/Home Study

    This form is a request to the court asking the judge to skip the usual requirement of a family assessment or home study for an adoption. The person filing it must state why the assessment is not needed.

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