How to Find Your Birth Parents in Denver, CO

In the state of Colorado, a court order is needed to open adoption records. This means that if you were adopted, are now at least 18 years of age and wish to know the names of your birth parents, you will need a court order to do so. If your birth parents consented to contact during the time of adoption, you will be given their birth names. If you cannot obtain a court order, there are still ways to contact your birth parents. You may contact the Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry or the Colorado Confidential Intermediary Services (CCIS).

Instructions

Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry

1. Visit the Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry website (Reference 2). Download, fill in and print out the consent form. Make sure you only fill out the "Adult Adoptee" section of the consent form.

2. Notarize the consent form and send it to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section along with a check or money order for $20 (as of 2010) and a photocopy of your ID.

3. Wait three weeks for your application to be processed. You will receive a receipt. After the arrival of your receipt, you will only be contacted if there is a match. Keep in mind that the registry is only successful if your birth parents have also joined the registry.

Colorado Confidential Intermediary Services (CCIS)

1. Visit the CCIS website at www.cocis.org/. Scroll down and click on "Step by Step Guide." Scroll down to "Motions" in Step 1. As the adopted, you will need to fill out JDE 343.

2. Download, fill and send the form to the Colorado court where the adoption took place. Wait for CCIS to notify you confirming that the courts have received your motion. Once CCIS contacts you, you will need to make a payment to CCIS. Once the payment has been made, you will be assigned a confidential intermediary (CI).

3. Wait for the CI to locate your birth parents. Once your CI has located your birth parents, they will contact them and find out if they wish to consent to contact. If they consent to contact, your CI will make arrangements for you to meet or contact your birth parents. If your birth parents do not consent to contact, your CI will not give you any identifying information about your birth parents.

4. Pay the continuing search fee to CCIS. If your birth parents refuse consent to contact, the CI will continue as the intermediary between you and your birth parents.

5. Complete the evaluation form with the CCIS when your case is completed.

References

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviornment: Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in Colorado
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviornment: Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry
• CCIS: Step By Step Guide
• Colorado Adoption: Mutual Access to Identifying Information