Welcome to the forty-fifth post in our series Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Utah, the 11th largest state in the US. Remember, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. Consult an attorney or other adoption professional with specific questions. If you have adopted in Utah and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Utah?
Legally married couples may adopt. Single adults who are not cohabiting with another single adult may adopt. At least one adoptive parent must be more than 10 years older than the child being adopted.
When May Consent Be Signed?
The birth father can sign anytime. The birth mother can sign 24 hours after the birth of the baby.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
Consent is irrevocable.
Does Utah Have a Putative Father Registry?
Yes.
Does Utah Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
Yes.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
Yes.
Does Utah Allow the Use of Facilitators?
No.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
6 months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Legal, maternity, medical, counseling, travel, and temporary living expenses may be paid.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Utah?
Yes.
Does Utah Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
No. Open adoption agreements are not addressed in Utah law.
Caution
Utah’s laws are biased against unmarried biological fathers. Many Utah agencies will fly expectant mothers to Utah and put them up at residence hotels (at the adoptive parents’ expense) to avoid having to deal with the expectant father. While I admit this is appealing in the cases of abusive relationships, in most cases, it’s not much better than kidnapping. For more information about adoption practices in Utah and how they affect biological fathers, see ‘Baby Emma’ case puts state adoption laws between father, child. You can also search for Utah adoption ethics and see what pops up.
Resources
- Utah’s Adoption Connection
- Adopting In Utah
- Child Adoption Laws, Utah
- Child Welfare Information Gateway, State Statutes
- Adamec, Christine. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Adoption. New York: Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2004.
- Adoptive Families Magazine 2008
Photo Credit: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas
