The full process is too technical and nuanced to discuss in detail in this setting, so what follows is a quick summary. For the adoption to proceed, a court needs to make a finding that the child is available for adoption, and that the step-parent is not precluded from adopting. Colorado law allows for the termination of a parent's rights if that parent has abandoned the child for a period of one year. The termination process requires notice, and a hearing. If the whereabouts of the other parent are unknown, the court may allow service on the other party by publication. The step-parent who wishes to adopt will need to undergo a series of background checks to determine if that person has a criminal background. Certain crimes can preclude a step-parent from adopting a child in Colorado. As to the costs, there is no way to accurately estimate as each case is different. An experienced adoption attorney can better explain the process and more accurately predict how a Colorado court may view your case.