2006 Utah Code - 78-30-9 — Decree of adoption -- Best interest of child -- Legislative findings.

     78-30-9.   Decree of adoption -- Best interest of child -- Legislative findings.
     (1) The court shall examine each person appearing before it in accordance with this chapter, separately, and, if satisfied that the interests of the child will be promoted by the adoption, it shall enter a final decree of adoption declaring that the child is adopted by the adoptive parent or parents and shall be regarded and treated in all respects as the child of the adoptive parent or parents.
     (2) The court shall make a specific finding regarding the best interest of the child, taking into consideration information provided to the court pursuant to the requirements of this chapter relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the child and the moral climate of the potential adoptive placement.
     (3) (a) The Legislature specifically finds that it is not in a child's best interest to be adopted by a person or persons who are cohabiting in a relationship that is not a legally valid and binding marriage under the laws of this state. Nothing in this section limits or prohibits the court's placement of a child with a single adult who is not cohabiting as defined in Subsection (3)(b).
     (b) For purposes of this section, "cohabiting" means residing with another person and being involved in a sexual relationship with that person.

Amended by Chapter 208, 2000 General Session