(1) The individual consenting to termination of parental rights or voluntarily relinquishing parental rights shall sign the consent or relinquishment, or confirm a consent or relinquishment previously signed by the individual, under oath before: (a) a judge of any court that has jurisdiction over proceedings for termination of parental rights in this state or any other state, or a public officer appointed by that court for the purpose of taking consents or relinquishments; or (b) except as provided in Subsection (2), any person authorized to take consents or relinquishments under Subsections 81-13-214(1) and (2). (2) Only the juvenile court is authorized to take consents or relinquishments from a parent who has any child who is in the custody of a state agency or who has a child who is otherwise under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. (3) (a) The court, appointed officer, or other authorized person shall certify to the best of that person's information and belief that the individual executing the consent or relinquishment, or confirming a consent or relinquishment previously signed by the individual, has read and understands the consent or relinquishment and has signed the consent or relinquishment freely and voluntarily. (b) A consent or relinquishment is not effective until the consent or relinquishment is certified pursuant to Subsection (3)(a). (4) A consent or relinquishment that has been certified pursuant to Subsection (3)(a) is effective against the consenting or relinquishing individual and may not be revoked. (5) (a) The requirements and processes described in Section 80-4-104, Sections 80-4-301 through 80-4-304, and Part 2, Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, do not apply to a voluntary relinquishment or consent for termination of parental rights. (b) When determining voluntary relinquishment or consent for termination of parental rights, the juvenile court need only find that the relinquishment or termination is in the child's best interest. (6) (a) There is a presumption that voluntary relinquishment or consent for termination of parental rights is not in the child's best interest where it appears to the juvenile court that the primary purpose for relinquishment or consent for termination is to avoid a financial support obligation. (b) The presumption described in Subsection (6)(a) may be rebutted if the juvenile court finds the relinquishment or consent to termination of parental rights will facilitate the establishment of stability and permanency for the child. (7) Upon granting a voluntary relinquishment the juvenile court may make orders relating to the child's care and welfare that the juvenile court considers to be in the child's best interest.
‹ Prev All Utah sections Next ›
Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.