June is LGBT Pride Month: a time when we reflect and appreciate just how far we have come as a society and a time when we acknowledge and are thankful for the courage and bravery of those who came before us. Of course, we also recognize that there is much more work to be done to achieve equality. As the definition of family has broadened over the years, many LGBT couples are adding to their family. There are many ways that LBGT couples can add to their families. The most common options are surrogacy, donor-insemination and adoption.
Three things you need to know about adding to your family
- Obviously, it needs to be official. Whether you are adopting or using a donor, in Colorado, parties must enter into official agreements. In this agreement or contract, there are defined roles and responsibilities for each step of the process. It is important that this document be legally sound and well understood by all parties.
- It can take time. Depending upon the circumstances, adding to your family can be a very time intensive process. Adopting a child often involves multiple authorities with their own individual and territorial requirements. Donation and insemination is very much dependent on timing and can take many attempts to be successful. Depending on a range of variables, success rates are in the 10-20% range.
- Second parent adoptions. In some instances, one parent may not yet have legal parental rights. That parent may choose to pursue second parent adoption. This process can be time consuming and is subject to various background checks.
Adding a family member is always a big decision. With patience and perseverance, and a firm understanding of the law, you will be well on your way down the path to parenthood.
