Parties to An Adoption

Utah

• The following persons are eligible to adopt:

o Adults who are legally married to each other

o A stepparent

o Any single adult

• Persons who are cohabiting but not legally married may not adopt.

• The adoptive parent must be at least 10 years older than the adoptee.

• In the case of a married couple, only one person needs to be 10 years older.

• A married person may not adopt without the consent of his or her spouse.

• Any minor child

• Any adult

• A parent

• A licensed child-placing agency

Schedule of Hearings
Citation: §§ 40-11-12.1; 40-11-12.2
A permanency hearing shall be held:

• Within 12 months of the child's placement in care; at least every 12 months thereafter
• Within 30 days after a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify are not required

• All parties
• The foster parents
• Any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child

• The appropriateness of the service plan
• What services have been offered
• Any further efforts that will promote the best interests of the child

• Return to the parent
• Adoption
• Legal guardianship
• Placement with a fit and willing relative
• Another planned permanent living arrangement

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

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