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Co-Parent Adoption & Step-Parent Adoption

for Gay and Lesbian Couples in Connecticut

 

 

 

 

Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Rights Attorney

Connecticut Co-Parent Adoption Attorney for Lesbian and Gay Couples

Connecticut Step-Parent Adoption Attorney for Lesbian and Gay Couples

Gay & Lesbian Adoption in Connecticut

Law Offices of Irene C. Olszewski, LLC

 

 

The information presented here is only meant to offer a brief guide to the adoption law in Connecticut as it applies to gay and lesbian couples.  It is not and should not be construed as legal advice.   Questions about your individual circumstances should be discussed with a licensed attorney.  A Connecticut gay and lesbian rights lawyer at the Law Offices of Irene C. Olszewski, LLC is available to assist you in the co-parent or step-parent adoption process.

 

 

 

On October 1, 2000, Connecticut signed into law Public Act 00-228, amending C.G.S.A. § 45a-724, which created a legal process for "second parent adoption."  This law allows an existing parent (biological or adoptive) to agree to the adoption of his/her child by another person "who shares parental responsibility for the child."  Under this legislation, your same-gender partner may become a second parent to your child. 

 

The adoption process falls under the jurisdiction of the Probate Courts.  If you have entered into a valid marriage or civil union, your partner may become a Step-parent to your child; your partner may become a co-parent if you have not entered into marriage or civil union.

 

Some of the advantages of co-parent or step-parent adoption ("second parent adoption"), from a legal standpoint, are:

 

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The child will have two legal parents for all purposes.

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The co-parent or step-parent will not need special permission to seek medical care for the child or to attend school meetings.

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The co-parent or step-parent will have the legal ability to make decisions for the child in both emergency and day-to-day matters.

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 If one parent dies, the other parent will automatically assume custody of the child. 

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The child would have the automatic right to inherit from the deceased parent even if there is no will.

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 In the event of a separation of the couple or a dissolution of their marriage or civil union, a Court will base its decisions on what is in the best interest of the child rather than on which parent is the legal parent.  Both parents would have the right to custody and visitation. 

 

Do We Have to Be Residents of Connecticut in Order to Do Our Adoption Here?

Yes.  In order for a Connecticut Probate Court to have jurisdiction over the adoption, you, your spouse or partner, and the child must be residents of the State of Connecticut.   

What if We Were Married (or Had a Civil Union) in Connecticut but Live in Another State?

The Connecticut residency requirement still applies. 

What if I Gave Birth in Connecticut but We Live in Another State?

The Connecticut residency requirement still applies. 

 

  Posts On Step-Parent & Co-Parent Adoption

                 From The Connecticut Lesbian and Gay Law Blog:

 

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Home Study Required for Co-Parent Adoptions but May Be Waived for Step-Parent Adoptions in Connecticut

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Second-Parent Adoption

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Establishing Residency in Connecticut for Co-Parent or Step-Parent Adoption

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Lousiana Must Recognize Out-of-State Gay Adoptions

 

 

 

 

 

      Return to the main Lesbian & Gay Issues page.  

Proceed to the Lesbian & Gay Links page.

Blog:  Connecticut Lesbian and Gay Law

Read the Article:  "A Year of Questions" **

(**Published in Connecticut Law Tribune 12/14/09 about same-sex marriage 1 year after legalization in CT.

Attorney Olszewski was interviewed for this article)

 

Contact a Connecticut Lesbian and Gay Co-Parent & Step-Parent  Adoption Lawyer

 

Law Offices of Irene C. Olszewski, LLC

21 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester, Connecticut 06042

Telephone:  (860) 432-7293      Facsimile:  (860) 432-7294

e-mail:  irenelaw1@aol.com

 

 

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The Law Offices of Irene C. Olszewski, LLC handles legal matters for LGBTI clients throughout the state of Connecticut including Hartford County, Tolland County, Middlesex County, New Haven County, New London County, Litchfield County, Windham County, and Fairfield County. 

 

Disclaimer:  This website is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice.  Use of this website and/or the information contained on this website is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.  All legal questions should be addressed to a licensed attorney.      

 

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Connecticut Lesbian and Gay Rights Lawyer

Connecticut Co-Parent Adoption Lawyer for Lesbian and Gay couples

Connecticut Step-Parent Adoption Lawyer for Lesbian and Gay couples

Law Offices of Irene C. Olszewski, LLC

Send mail to irenelaw1@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004-2010 Law Offices of Irene C. Olszewski, LLC
Last modified:  08/17/2010