Salt Lake City, UT asked in Adoption for Utah

Q: In Utah, how do I adopt my wife's 3-year-old who has been under my care for 2 yrs? Biological father has done nothing since child was 6-months-old

My wife and I have been married for 1 year and 6 months. She and her ex-husband had a child, but got divorced.

They separated when their daughter was maybe 6 months-old.

I have been providing for the child ever since. We got married after she was divorced.

I am in the Marines, have helped since she was 6 months-old, and now she is now 3.

The biological father has not provided anything for the child, nor has he made any attempt to contact the child.

According to their divorce court papers he has to contact a third party in order to attempt to see the child, but no attempt has been made to do so EVER.

I provide care, needs, health as if she was my own biological daughter.

How do I legally adopt this child?

The child's father was difficult to work with during the divorce process, and will be for any child custody battle. But he has done nothing in this child's life.

My wife, the child's mother, now has custody of the child and lives with us.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Jason F. Barnes
Jason F. Barnes
Answered
  • Family Law Lawyer
  • Kaysville, UT
  • Licensed in Utah

A: The question is very fact dependent. I suggest that you call my office so we can discuss this matter in detail. Because of the nature of the question, I will have to make sure that I do not have conflict of interest.

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