Co-Parent Adoption Tips and Tidbits
On October 1st, 2000, Public Act, 00-228 becomes the Law in Connecticut. This Act allows a second adult to legally adopt a child or children he or she is parenting. This Act is of particular interest to same-sex couples who are raising children together because it acknowledges and legally recognizes the parental rights and responsibilities of both parents! 

In a recent conversation with Attorney Maureen Murphy, we gathered up some of interesting tips and tidbits for folks who are planning to adopt. Maureen did note that our conversation was NOT intended to serve as legal advice and families considering co-parent adoption should seek the advice of an attorney if their circumstances warrant. 

Because October 1st is a Sunday, people won’t be able to file the correct forms with their Probate Court until October 2nd.  But, you can get the paperwork started right now by picking up the forms at your local probate court.  (Hearsay tells us that the revised forms are still at the printer and may not be available at the courts until the last week of September.)

Probate judges have full discretion regarding home studies and may or may not require one.  You can call the court clerk and ask about your probate judge’s policies or thoughts regarding the home study. If one is required, you can use DCF (no charge) or any licensed agency (at your own expense) to conduct the home study — though you should be sure that the agency you choose is both competent and affirming of our families.  (Feel free to call us for a list of agencies other families have used successfully.) 

Considering going to Vermont to enter into a Civil Union?  If you are parenting now or are thinking about parenting in the future, you may want to wait!  Maureen suggested that entering into a civil union before completing adoption matters could complicate the adoption process — or even make you ineligible to adopt (especially if you are considering international adoptions).  The reasons are complicated to explain (but an attorney competent in LGBT family issues could help.)

Whatever your family situation, you might consider talking with a Family Law attorney prior to filing for your co-parent adoption— especially in the early days of the new law coming into effect…Good luck — and good parenting!

(Maureen Murphy, a Civil Rights and Family Law attorney in private practice in New Haven, is the founder of the CT Gay and Lesbian Law Association and one of the attorneys who worked with the CT Civil Liberties Union and the CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund to put together a guide to Civil Unions.  Maureen may be reached at 203. 789.2269)