Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-13-211 — Counseling for parents., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 81-13-211. Counseling for parents.
Effective 5/6/2026 81-13-211.
Counseling for parents.
(1)
As used in this section, "parent" means a person described in Subsections 81-13-212(1)(b) through (f) for whom the consent or relinquishment of a minor child for the adoption is required.
(2)
Subject to Subsection (3)(a), before relinquishing a minor child to a child-placing agency, or consenting to the adoption of a child adoptee, a parent of the child adoptee has the right to participate in, or elect to participate in, mental health therapy:
(a)
by a mental health professional who is licensed under Title 58, Chapter 60, Mental Health Professional Practice Act, and selected by the parent participating in the mental health therapy;
(b)
for up to three sessions of at least 50 minutes per session completed before relinquishing a child adoptee and up to three sessions of at least 50 minutes per session following the relinquishment of a child adoptee; and
(c)
subject to Subsection (3)(b), at the expense of the:
(i)
child-placing agency; or
(ii)
prospective adoptive parents.
(3)
(a)
Notwithstanding Subsection (2), a parent who has the right to participate in the mental health therapy under Subsection (2) may waive that right.
(b)
Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(c), the total amount required to be paid by a child-placing agency or the prospective adoptive parents for the mental health therapy described in Subsection (2) may not exceed $800, unless an agreement for a greater amount is signed by:
(i)
the parent who receives the mental health therapy; and
(ii)
the child-placing agency or prospective adoptive parents.
(4)
Before a parent relinquishes a child adoptee to a child-placing agency, or consents to the adoption of a child adoptee, the parent shall be informed of the right described in Subsection (1) by the:
(a)
child-placing agency;
(b)
prospective adoptive parents; or
(c)
representative of a person described in Subsection (4)(a) or (b).
(5)
If the parent who is entitled to the mental health therapy as described in Subsection (1) elects to attend one or more mental health therapy sessions following the relinquishment of a child adoptee the parent of the child adoptee and the child-placing agency or attorney representing a prospective adoptive parent of the child adoptee shall enter into an agreement to pay for the mental health therapy in accordance with this section.
(6)
(a)
Subject to Subsections (4)(b) and (c), before the day on which a final decree of adoption is entered, a statement shall be filed with the court that:
(i)
is signed by each parent who:
(A)
relinquishes the parent's parental rights; or
(B)
consents to the adoption; and
(ii)
states that, before the parent took the action described in Subsection (6)(a)(i)(A) or (B), the parent was advised of the parent's right to participate in the mental health therapy described in this section at the expense of the:
(A)
child-placing agency; or
(B)
prospective adoptive parents.
(b)
The statement described in Subsection (6)(a) may be included in the document that:
(i)
relinquishes the parent's parental rights; or
(ii)
consents to the adoption.
(c)
Failure by a person to give the notice described in Subsection (4), or pay for the mental health therapy described in this section shall not constitute grounds for invalidating a:
Section 81-13-211 ("Counseling for parents.") 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 § 81-13-211?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-13-211" (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 § 81-13-211 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.
