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JDF 500

Instructions for Stepparent Adoption

Colorado · Colorado Judicial Branch · Effective June 1, 2026

This document provides instructions for the Stepparent Adoption process and explains what information is needed to file the case. It lists several forms that must be completed and submitted to the court.

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 someone who is starting the process to adopt a child as a stepparent. It details the required background checks and forms needed to file the case with the court.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is the Petitioner?
The Petitioner is the person or people who file the Petition for Adoption to start the process.
What background checks are required?
The prospective adoptive parent 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.
Does this form tell me what to do?
The instructions state that this document is for informational purposes only and does not count as legal advice.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect June 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 502

    Petition for Stepparent Adoption

    This form is a request to the court to legally adopt a child, making the child the petitioner's legal child. It asks for personal information about the person filing the request and details about the child and the child's birth parents.

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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 509

    Consent to Adoption - Custodial Parent

    This form is a statement where a custodial parent agrees to the adoption of a child by the person or people listed as the Petitioner. The parent signs to confirm they are the birth parent and are giving their consent for the adoption to happen.

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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.

    Word1 translation
  • JDF 514

    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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