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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 civil union, your partner will become a Step-parent to your child; your partner will become a co-parent if you have not entered into civil union.

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

	The child will have two legal parents for all purposes.
	The co-parent or step-parent will not need special permission to seek medical care for the child or to attend school meetings.
	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.
	If one parent dies, the other parent will automatically assume custody of the child.
	The child would have the automatic right to inherit from the deceased parent even if there is no will.
	In the event of a separation of the couple or a dissolution of their 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.