Top 10 Questions about Adoption in Utah

Welcome to the Utah Adoption Law Center.  Today’s post covers the top 10 questions you may have about adoption in Utah.

1. Can I have the child’s name changed as part of the adoption?

   1. Yes.  

2. How old must a child be before his or her consent is required?

   1. 12 years old.

3. How much does adoption cost?

   1. The classic lawyer's answer is “it depends.”

   2. In foster child adoptions, Utah DCFS will usually reimburse you up to $2,000 per child so we keep the legal costs below that amount (sometimes well below that per-child amount when multiple children are being adopted). We want our clients to be fully reimbursed.

   3. The cost of other adoptions depends on how much work is involved, but we strive to be efficient and keep costs low for our clients. For example, uncontested private adoptions are almost always under $3,000 (plus the home study costs) and uncontested interstate adoptions are almost always under $5,000 (plus the home study costs). Adult adoptions (one adoptee) are typically well under $2,000.

4. Must I pay up front?

   1. A partial up-front payment is required, but we try to be flexible and work with our clients’ circumstances.  While we can accept checks and even cash, most clients pay online with a credit card.

5. What court will handle my adoption?

   1. For foster child adoptions, the hearing is usually with the juvenile court judge that handled the child welfare case.

   2. For other adoptions–including stepparent adoptions–we typically file in the district court where the child is living.

6. Where can I meet with the UALC attorney?

   1. We have lots of options, including personally at our office, at your home, at a convenient location close to your home such as a library, or even over Zoom. However, most of our clients prefer to simply talk on the phone, email us documents (i.e., birth certificate), and then sign documents (i.e., the petition) electronically to save driving time.

7. Can UALC help me get the post-adoption birth certificate from Vital Records?

   1. Yes!  We can work with Vital Records to get you three copies of the new, post-adoption birth certificate, regardless of where your child was born.  It takes a bit of coordination sometimes, but we get it done.  For children born in Utah, this is part of our normal services.  For children born outside of Utah, it can take significantly more work so there is typically an extra fee.

8. What proof can I get of the adoption?

   1. Typically within a day of the hearing, we can get you several certified copies of the signed adoption decree from the court.  That serves as your proof of adoption until the new birth certificates arrive.  Of course, if the certified copies must be mailed by the court clerk, that may take a few extra days.

9. Can a single person adopt?

   1. Yes, this happens fairly often.  Please note that the single person may not be cohabitating (i.e., living with an intimate partner).

10. How long does adoption take?

    1. It depends on the type of adoption and whether it is contested.  Litigation can take many months while some foster child and adult adoptions can be done in 6-8 weeks. Sometimes, DCFS has some things they need the client to take care of (i.e., TBRI training, completing subsidy paperwork, etc.). Usually, the court will schedule the adoption hearing about a month into the future--after we have all the required exhibits uploaded to the court.

We hope this information is helpful to you.  At the Utah Adoption Law Center, we provide free consultation for all your adoption questions.  We look forward to talking with you!