Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-14-203 — Prohibited custody transfer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 81-14-203. Prohibited custody transfer.
Effective 9/1/2025
81-14-203.
Prohibited custody transfer.
| (1) | Except as provided in Subsection (2), a parent or guardian of a minor child, or an individual with whom a minor child has been placed for adoption, may not transfer custody of the minor child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the minor child. |
| (2) | A parent or guardian of a minor child or an individual with whom a minor child has been placed for adoption may transfer custody of the minor child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the minor child only through:
| (a) | adoption or guardianship; |
| (b) | judicial award of custody; |
| (c) | placement by or through a child-placing agency; |
| (d) | other judicial or tribal action; or |
|
| (3) |
| (a) | A person may not receive custody of a minor child, or act as an intermediary in a transfer of custody of a minor child, if the person knows or reasonably should know the transfer violates Subsection (1). |
| (b) | This subsection does not apply if the person as soon as practicable after the transfer, notifies the Division of Child and Family Services of the transfer or takes appropriate action to establish custody under Subsection (2). |
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| (4) | A violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor. |
| (5) | A violation of Subsection (1) is not established solely because a parent or guardian that transfers custody of a minor child does not regain custody. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
426, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-14-203
What does Utah Code § 81-14-203 cover?
Section 81-14-203 ("Prohibited custody transfer.") 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 § 81-14-203?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-14-203" (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 § 81-14-203 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.
