Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-13-102 — Venue for an adoption proceeding., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 81-13-102. Venue for an adoption proceeding.
Effective 9/1/2025
81-13-102.
Venue for an adoption proceeding.
| (1) | Notwithstanding Title 78B, Chapter 3a, Venue for Civil Actions, a person shall bring an adoption proceeding in a court with jurisdiction under Title 78A, Judiciary and Judicial Administration:
| (a) | in the judicial district where the prospective adoptive parent resides; |
| (b) | if the prospective adoptive parent is not a resident of this state, in the judicial district where:
| (ii) | the adoptee resides on the day on which the petition is filed; or |
| (iii) | a parent of the proposed adoptee resides on the day on which the petition is filed if the proposed adoptee is a minor child; or |
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| (c) | if the adoption proceeding is brought in the juvenile court, as described in Subsection 78A-6-103(2)(a)(xiv) or (xv), in accordance with Section 78A-6-350. |
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| (2) | All orders, decrees, agreements, and notices in an adoption proceeding shall be filed with the clerk of the court where the adoption proceeding is commenced under Subsection (1). |
| (3) |
| (a) | If a person whose consent for the adoption is required under Section 81-13-212 or 81-13-213 cannot be found within the state, the fact of the adoptee's presence within the state shall confer jurisdiction on the court in proceedings under this chapter as to such absent person if due notice has been given in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure. |
| (b) | The notice may not include the name of:
| (i) | a prospective adoptive parent; or |
| (ii) | an unmarried birth mother without the unmarried birth mother's consent. |
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| (4) |
| (a) | In the case of service outside the state, service completed not less than five days before the time set in the notice for appearance of the person served is sufficient to confer jurisdiction. |
| (b) | Service of notice described in Subsection (4)(a) shall vest the court with jurisdiction over the person served in the same manner and to the same extent as if the person served was served personally within the state. |
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| (5) | Computation of periods of time not otherwise described in this section shall be made in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
426, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-13-102
What does Utah Code § 81-13-102 cover?
Section 81-13-102 ("Venue for an adoption proceeding.") 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 § 81-13-102?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-13-102" (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 § 81-13-102 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.
