2026 Updates to the Utah Adoption Act

2026 was a big year for the Utah Adoption Act. Some major changes in the law occurred. Many of the changes involved record keeping and reporting requirements for adoption agencies or "child-placing agencies." Note: Utah Adoption Law Center is a law firm. We do not place children nor connect birth mothers and adoptive parents.

Some changes in the law include the following:

1. A birth parent now has 72 hours to revoke his or her consent to adoption. Consenting to adoption is a big deal. It can be very emotional. Previously, a birth parent's consent to adoption (and relinquishment of his or her parental rights) was effective and binding upon signing; there was no revocation period. Now, as of May 6, 2026, a birth parent has 72 hours to revoke their consent by notifying the adoption agency or adoptive parent. If the consent is not revoked, then it remains effective and binding, and the adoption may go forward.

2. A birth parent has a right to legal counsel paid for by the adoption agency or adopting parents. The statute currently does not specify any dollar limit. Therefore, adopting parents will probably want to make sure the birth parent is willing to waive this right or see if the birth parent is willing to limit the amount of lawyer fees he or she incurs.

3. A birth parent may receive adoption-related mental health therapy at the expense of the agency or adoptive parents. The limits are up to three (3) hours of counseling before relinquishment at a maximum cost of $400, and up to three (3) hours of counseling after relinquishment at a maximum cost of $400. Counseling can be very helpful so adopting parents should probably budget for this cost when seeking to adopt.