The Appellate Group

In re B.C.

In re B.C., 2026 UT 23 (Durrant, C.J.)

Child Welfare

The Utah Supreme Court held:

The district court applied the correct legal standard when it determined termination was strictly necessary to promote children’s best interest under the Adoption Act.

Practice tip:

A trial court cannot reject permanent custody and guardianship in favor of adoption based solely on the categorical assumption that adoptions are generally more stable. However, a court may consider the stability of adoption if its reasoning is grounded in the specific, individualized needs of the children.

Read the full court opinion