Are you the real mother of a child, but not the biological one?
Have you fulfilled the role of a stepfather but want to make matters legally official?
Maybe you’re a grandparent who has spent some of your most cherished years raising your grandchildren, to whom you legally don’t have rights.
You might also be a prospective adoptive parent who needs assistance with the process.
Regardless of your situation, adoption is personal, sensitive, and sometimes complex. That’s where our Holladay adoption lawyers come in. If you need assistance with the adoption process, we can help simplify the legal journey ahead so that you can focus on completing your family. Call Green Legal Group today to schedule a free consultation and discover your next steps!
Utah Adoption Laws
According to the Utah Adoption Act, the state’s adoption laws are as follows:
| Who Can Be Adopted | Any child can be adopted in Utah if eligible according to state laws. |
| Consent of Child | Any child 12 years or older must consent to adoption if they have the mental capacity to do so. |
| Who Can Adopt? | Any married adult can adopt as long as they have their spouse’s consent. Same-sex couples can adopt as well, but a single person who is cohabitating without being married cannot. |
| Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption | A child must live in the home for six months before the adoption is finalized. However, for adopting stepparents, the child must have lived with the stepparent for at least one year. |
Stepchild Adoption
In order to adopt a stepchild, the adopting parent must:
- be married to the adoptee’s custodial parent.
- be at least 10 years older than the adoptee.
- not have a felony that would disqualify them from adopting (such as a felony for child abuse) unless they meet specific criteria.
Additionally, the adoptee must have lived with the custodial parent and the stepparent for six months, but this requirement can be waived by a judge. For more information, see Utah Code Section 78B-6-117(5) and (6)..
Grandparent Adoption
If you’re a grandparent wanting to adopt your grandchild, you’ll first have to prove that their biological parents are unfit so that their parental rights can be terminated. This is delicate and emotional, but sometimes necessary if you want to protect your grandchildren, and it’s a process that Green Legal Group can assist with. We will work diligently to present a compelling case on your behalf, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your grandchild.
What Our Holladay Adoption Lawyers Can Assist With
We understand that the process of adoption can be extremely overwhelming. There are many legal requirements and steps involved in each type of adoption. That’s why having a skilled Holladay adoption lawyer in your corner is pivotal to navigating this journey successfully. We can help you understand your rights, prepare and file all necessary documentation, and represent your interests throughout the entirety of your adoption case.
Whether you’re a hopeful parent, a stepparent who stepped up, or a grandparent who stepped in, we want to provide you with peace of mind during what can be an otherwise stressful transition. You can rest assured that we’ll do everything we can to make the adoption process as smooth as possible.
Call Green Legal Group Today To Schedule A Free Consultation!
At Green Legal Group, we have over 15 years of experience with family law in Utah, so we know how to help you avoid mistakes that could compromise the results of your case. Call Green Legal Group today to schedule a free consultation where we’ll take the time to understand your goals and needs, and address any questions you have. Allow us to be a part of your adoption journey.
