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In Need of an Adoption Lawyer in Salt Lake City & Park City, Utah?

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Adoption Attorneys in Salt Lake City & Park City, Utah

Adoption has been an accepted legal practice in civilized societies since the Roman Empire. During these early years, many emperors selected their successors by adopting them – often in favor of their own biological children. In doing so, the empire fell into the most suitable hands – ensuring more long-term stability for the society that governed much of the known world. Salt Lake City and Park City residents today have the same freedom to choose their own family members, and this can provide society with the same type of stability. Adopted children can seek better lives, growing up to contribute in meaningful ways under the careful guidance of dedicated parents.

As beneficial as adoption can be, it is not always straightforward. Parents in Salt Lake City benefit from working alongside lawyers who understand the adoption process. Choose Just Law Utah to approach this often-complex process with a measure of confidence and efficiency. Over the years, we have helped numerous parents adopt children and overcome many of the most common roadblocks along the way.

How Can an Adoption Attorney in Salt Lake City Help Me?

Salt Lake City is one of the most famous municipalities in the United States, drawing in many tourists each year thanks to its many ski hills, the University of Utah, and its religious significance for numerous faiths across the nation. Salt Lake City is also home to many families, including couples who may not have the ability to conceive. Adoption may be a viable choice for these individuals. However, adoption can be a positive choice for a number of different parents, including single people and families that already have children.

Salt Lake City adoption attorneys can help you navigate the complex process that is adoption. You will have to file a lot of paperwork that an attorney can assist with ensuring it is all filled out and filed properly to avoid any delays. An adoption attorney can also handle the negotiation terms and conditions of your adoption, and attend court appearances.

How Does Adoption Work in Utah?

Once you have decided to move forward with adoption, it makes sense to get in touch with an adoption attorney. These legal professionals can explain how the process works in more detail. Although internet research can provide some insights, you can ask questions and receive immediate feedback during a consultation with a lawyer. The general steps involved include:

  • Choosing an adoption agency.
  • Pre-placement contact.
  • Following hospital plans.
  • Finalizing the certificate of adoption.

Adoption lawyers in Utah can help with various steps, including:

  • Filing the initial paperwork.
  • Negotiating with foreign or interstate agencies.
  • Assisting with surrogacy contracts.
  • Guiding you through option adoptions.
  • Assisting with step-parent adoptions.

To learn more about the adoption process in Utah, make sure to get in touch with an adoption lawyer in Park City.

What are My Options for Adoption in Utah?

There are many types of adoption you might want to consider in Utah, including:

  • Adoption Agencies.
  • Foster Care Agencies.
  • International Adoption Agencies.
  • Domestic infant adoption.
  • Private Adoption.
  • Public Adoptions.
  • Step-parent adoption.

If you would like to receive more targeted legal advice based on your unique situation, be sure to get in touch with experienced adoption lawyers in Park City. These legal professionals can assess your circumstances and determine the best type of adoption to pursue.

Who Is Eligible to Adopt a Child in Utah?

Although a wide range of individuals are eligible to adopt children in Utah, an important initial step is to determine whether you are disqualified for any reason. Here are some reasons you might not have the opportunity to adopt a child:

  • Certain felony convictions.
  • Being less than 10 years older than the child.
  • Being an unmarried cohabiting couple.
  • Not having the consent of your spouse.
  • Having certain health issues.
  • Not having the financial stability necessary to raise a child.
  • Lacking emotional stability.

Note that single people and same-sex couples can adopt and have the same rights as other prospective adoptive parents in Utah.

If you are wondering whether you might be able to adopt a child in Utah, be sure to get in touch with an experienced adoption attorney in Salt Lake City. Our legal professionals can assess your unique situation and determine whether you are eligible for the adoption process.

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Where Can I Find Adoption Lawyers in Salt Lake City?

If you have been searching for an adoption lawyer in Salt Lake City, look no further than Just Law Utah. Over the years, we have guided many parents through the adoption process. We know how special it can be to add someone new to your family, and we can help you overcome various issues on the road to adoption. Our offices are conveniently located in Salt Lake City and Park City, making it easy to book a consultation and discuss your options. Reach out today at 801-274-7000 to get started with an effective action plan.

When it Comes to Your Family, Get the Help You Need

Just Law Utah focuses on results and we are believers in family-first policies. Our Salt Lake City adoption attorneys will make sure the process will go as smoothly as possible so that you can start enjoying life with your new family.

Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys by calling our firm at 801-274-7000 today.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Park City & Salt Lake City Adoption Lawyers:

What is the first step in an adoption?

Once you have decided you would like to start the adoption process the first step is to file a petition with a Utah district court. There are instances in which this petition may need to be filed with a Utah juvenile court, speak with a Park City adoption attorney before filing to guarantee you are filing with the correct court.

How can I adopt my stepchild?

In Utah it is legal for a stepparent to adopt their stepchild. The child must live with the stepparent and their custodial parent for at least one year before the adoption can take place. Both the custodial and noncustodial parent of the stepchild who you’d like to adopt must consent to this adoption. If the noncustodial parent does agree to the terms of the adoption their parental rights will be terminated.

Can a birth parent change their mind after they have relinquished their parental rights?

No, in the state of Utah once the relinquished documents are signed they are final. There is a waiting period where the child must be over 24 hours old before the biological mother is allowed to relinquish her rights.

Are open or closed adoptions more common in Utah?

Most adoptions in Utah are either open or semi-open adoptions. Though it is important to remember every adoption is different and each adoption has their own set of rules. It is best to discuss with your attorney which type of adoption you are looking for and what would be best for the child.

What are the different levels to types of open adoptions?

A fully open adoption allows for the birth parents to have the adoptive parents full contact information, the lengths of contact are decided by both parties. These typically include photos of the child, letters, phone calls, and even physical visits. Even if the adoption is very open it does not mean the biological parents will share parenting responsibilities.

A semi-open adoption can be both with or without a mediator to handle communication. There is some communication but if it is through a mediator the adopting parents and biological parents don’t communicate without said mediator, and their full information is not shared. In most semi-adoptions most private information is not shared such as addresses and last names.

What is a closed adoption?

In a closed adoption there is no communication between either party, not even through a mediator. The only information that is shared is the biological family medical history with the adoptive parents. Fully closed adoptions are not very common.

How old do you have to be to adopt a child in Utah?

In order to adopt a child you must be at least 21 years old. Since you must be at least 10 years older than an adopted child, the oldest child you could adopt is 11 years old.

What is a private adoption?

In a private adoption the birth parents find the adoptive parents without a third party agency. If you are considering a private adoption it is important to hire a Salt Lake City adoption attorney to ensure that all the legal steps are still being met. The adoptive parents will still need to go through background checks and have multiple home visits.

Can my step parent adopt me after I have turned 18?

Yes, it is possible for your stepparent to adopt you now that you have turned 18. Since you are legally an adult you no longer need the consent of your other parent in order to be adopted.

How long does it take to finalize an adoption?

If you are the stepparent adopting your step child the adoption will take at least a year, since you have to live together for at least that long. If you are a not a step parent adopting it can take as little as six month. Please note that every adoption case is different and these are just timeframes, depending on your adoption the process may take a little longer. Contact Just Law Utah to get more information on adoption timelines.

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