Two-Pops inspires parents and aspiring parents in Colorado, particularly those LGBT parents who want to raise children in a two-parent household recognized under the law. In situations of murky understanding, this little girl appears in her Rights 5 costume and emanates a bright light. From that light comes understanding. She uses that power on couples who envision a family life but don't yet know that in this state, the legal parent of a child can designate their partner as a second legal parent. Two-Pops can be spotted in PTA meetings, neighborhood BBQs, soccer practice, and Sunday services.
What does the LAW mean for Coloradans?
The Second Parent Adoption law enables unmarried couples to adopt one another's children. If a sole legal parent consents, a second adult may adopt the legal parent's child, provided the second adult undergoes a home study and passes a criminal background check. Prior to the passage of this law, only single people (gay or straight) or married couples could adopt.
The law gives same-sex partners and unmarried couples the ability to have both parents take on the legal rights and responsibilities of being a parent. Without the legal right to second parent adoptions, GLBT couples faced constant hurdles in raising their children. With the legal protection now in place, children can have two legal parents thereby providing them with more financial security and better access to health and insurance benefits.
Because this is a new law, it is recommended that people contact an attorney knowledgeable with the second parent adoptions to proceed. Additionally, the Colorado State Judicial Branch website contains information about the procedures and a sample petition. http://www.courts.state.co.us/
