In re adoption of D.K.A.T
In re adoption of D.K.A.T., 2024 UT App 145 (Orme, J.)
Parental Rights
A biological Father filed a paternity action and sought to establish parental rights in Minnesota, where Child was born. Father later sought to intervene in Utah district court adoption proceedings and moved to set Child’s Utah adoption. The district court concluded that Father had not fully complied with Minnesota law and denied his motions. Father appealed. The Utah Court of Appeals affirmed, holding:
- Father did not challenge the district court’s holding that he failed to comply with Minnesota law.
- The district court’s findings supported the conclusion that Father did not satisfy the statutory requirements regarding notice and consent and had not challenged the court’s alternative ruling.
- Practice tip: In cases involving children over six-months old at the time of placement with prospective adoptive parents, notice and consent are not required unless the parent satisfies specific statutory requirements. Utah Code § 78B-6-121.