Utah § 80-3-201 - Petition -- Who may file -- Timing -- Dismissal -- Notice.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 80-3-201 — Petition -- Who may file -- Timing -- Dismissal -- Notice., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 80-3-201. Petition -- Who may file -- Timing -- Dismissal -- Notice.

Effective 9/1/2022
80-3-201.  Petition -- Who may file -- Timing -- Dismissal -- Notice.
(1) Subject to Subsection (2), any interested person may file an abuse, neglect, or dependency petition.
(2) A person described in Subsection (1) shall make a referral with the division before the person files an abuse, neglect, or dependency petition.
(3) If a child who is the subject of an abuse, neglect, or dependency petition is removed from the child's home by the division, the petition shall be filed on or before the day on which the initial shelter hearing described in Section 80-3-301 is held.
(4) An abuse, neglect, or dependency petition shall include:
(a) a concise statement of facts, separately stated, to support the conclusion that the child upon whose behalf the abuse, neglect, or dependency petition is brought is abused, neglected, or dependent; and
(b) a statement regarding whether the child is in protective custody, and if so, the date and precise time the child was taken into protective custody.
(5)
(a) Upon the filing of an abuse, neglect, or dependency petition, the petitioner shall serve the petition and notice on:
(i) the guardian ad litem;
(ii) both parents and any guardian of the child; and
(iii) the child's foster parents.
(b) The notice described in Subsection (5) shall contain all of the following:
(i) the name and address of the person to whom the notice is directed;
(ii) the date, time, and place of the hearing on the petition;
(iii) the name of the child on whose behalf the petition is brought;
(iv) a statement that the parent or guardian to whom notice is given, and the child, are entitled to have an attorney present at the hearing on the petition, and that if the parent or guardian is indigent and cannot afford an attorney, and desires to be represented by an attorney, one will be provided; and
(v) a statement that the parent or guardian is liable for the cost of support of the child in the protective custody, temporary custody, and custody of the division, and for legal counsel appointed for the parent or guardian under Subsection (5)(b)(iv), according to the parent's or guardian's financial ability.
(6) The petitioner shall serve the abuse, neglect, or dependency petition and notice under this section on all individuals described in Subsection (5)(a) as soon as possible after the petition is filed and at least five days before the day on which the hearing is set.
(7) The juvenile court may dismiss an abuse, neglect, or dependency petition at any stage of the proceedings.
(8) If an abuse, neglect, or dependency petition includes an allegation of educational neglect, Sections 53G-6-210 and 53G-6-211 are applicable to the proceedings under this chapter.


Amended by Chapter 334, 2022 General Session

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 80-3-201

What does Utah Code § 80-3-201 cover?

Section 80-3-201 ("Petition -- Who may file -- Timing -- Dismissal -- Notice.") 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 § 80-3-201?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 80-3-201" (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 § 80-3-201 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

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