Utah Single-Parent
Adoptions Attorney

Utah adoption law allows for
adoptions of a minor child by either married couples or by single
parents. But Utah statutes place certain restrictions on the
circumstances under which a single parent can adopt a minor child.
If you are considering adopting a child in Utah as a single
parent, a
Utah
adoption attorney can explain the processes involved and
help ensure a successful adoption. Contact us today to
arrange for an initial consultation with Stephen Howard.
Under Utah Code 78B-6-117, a person may not adopt a minor child if the
proposed adoptive parent is
cohabiting
in a relationship that
is not a legally valid marriage under Utah law. Utah law
further provides preference to married couples when the prospective
adoptee is a child in the custody of the Division of Child and Family
Services (DCFS). These preferences do not apply to private
adoptions not involving DCFS.
If the minor child to be adopted is in the custody of DCFS, then the
division is required to place the child with a man and woman who are
married to each other unless:
- there are no qualified married couples who have applied to
adopt a child;
- the child is placed with a relative of the child;
- the child is placed with a person who has already developed
a substantial relationship with the child;
- the child is placed with a person selected by the parent or
former parent of the child; or
- it is in the best interests of the child to be placed with
a single person.
If
the child to be adopted is NOT in the custody of DCFS, then the above
restrictions do not apply. But the restriction on cohabiting
still applies, both in cases where the child is in the custody of DCFS
and in private adoptions.
Contact us now to
schedule an initial adoption consultation with Stephen Howard.
Estate Planning - Setting up a good estate plan requires more than filling out a free online form or downloading software. But a good estate plan does not have to be overly expensive. A good attorney can guide you through the process of determining what estate planning tools are right for you and your family, and then create personalized estate planning documents to protect you and your family, and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Contact us today to start the process of setting up a personalized estate plan.
Estate Planning »
Criminal Defense -
A criminal conviction can carry serious consequences. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney can give you the best chance of raising a successful defense. Stephen Howard has years of experience successfully defending serious criminal charges ranging from capital murder to DUI.
Contact us today to see what the right attorney can do for you.
Criminal Defense
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Family Law - The legal issues involved in Utah family law cases are some of the most important and personal issues you may ever face. Whether you are facing divorce, trying to obtain guardianship for a loved one, making plans to adopt, addressing child custody, support, alimony, or other legal matters relating to your family, choosing the right attorney to help you is a critical decision.
Contact us to get the help you need.
Family Law
»
Accidents & Injuries - An accident can severly affect your ability to work, your ability to care for and support your family. Injuries can leave you with life-long pain and disabilities. If you have been seriously injured or have been in an accident that was not your fault, you need an attorney who can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive compensation you are entitled to. Call now for an initial consultation.
Accidents & Injuries
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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, Morgan, and Wasatch Counties - and all of Utah.
Stephen W. Howard is Utah attorney, practicing as part of the
Canyons Law Group, LLC.
With offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties, we are pleased to provide legal services to clients throughout Utah.
Call 801-449-1409 to arrange for a confidential initial consultation.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
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