Utah § 80-4-303 - Specific considerations when child is not in physical custody of parent.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 80-4-303 — Specific considerations when child is not in physical custody of parent., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 80-4-303. Specific considerations when child is not in physical custody of parent.

Effective 9/1/2021
80-4-303.  Specific considerations when child is not in physical custody of parent.
(1) If a child is not in the physical custody of the child's parent or parents, the juvenile court, in determining whether parental rights should be terminated, shall consider:
(a) the physical, mental, or emotional condition and needs of the child and the child's desires regarding the termination, if the juvenile court determines the child is of sufficient capacity to express the child's desires;
(b) the effort the child's parent or parents have made to adjust the parent's or parents' circumstances, conduct, or conditions to make it in the child's best interest to return the child to the child's home after a reasonable length of time, including:
(i) payment of a reasonable portion of substitute physical care and maintenance, if financially able;
(ii) maintenance of regular parent-time or other contact with the child that was designed and carried out in a plan to reunite the child with the parent or parents; and
(iii) maintenance of regular contact and communication with the custodian of the child; and
(c) any other factor that the juvenile court considers relevant in the determination of whether to terminate parental rights.
(2) For purposes of this section, the juvenile court shall disregard incidental conduct, contributions, contacts, and communications.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 261, 2021 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 80-4-303

What does Utah Code § 80-4-303 cover?

Section 80-4-303 ("Specific considerations when child is not in physical custody of parent.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 80-4-303?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 80-4-303" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 80-4-303 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.