Download Zipped Introduced WordPerfect HB0030.ZIP
[Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

H.B. 30

             1     

EMANCIPATION OF A MINOR

             2     
2006 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Rosalind J. McGee

             5     
Senate Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble

             6      Cosponsor:Lorie D. Fowlke              7     
             8      LONG TITLE
             9      General Description:
             10          This bill creates a procedure by which a minor 16 years of age or older may petition the
             11      juvenile court for a declaration of emancipation.
             12      Highlighted Provisions:
             13          This bill:
             14          .    creates a procedure for a minor to petition the court for emancipation;
             15          .    provides criteria for a court in determining whether to emancipate a minor;
             16          .    provides definitions;
             17          .    sets out rights and responsibilities of an emancipated minor; and
             18          .    provides a filing fee of $50 for an emancipation petition.
             19      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             20          None
             21      Other Special Clauses:
             22          None
             23      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             24      AMENDS:
             25          78-3a-104, as last amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2005
             26          78-3a-119, as last amended by Chapter 8, Laws of Utah 2002, Fifth Special Session
             27          78-7-35, as last amended by Chapter 2, Laws of Utah 2003, Second Special Session


             28          78-30-7, as last amended by Chapter 122, Laws of Utah 2004
             29          78-45-7.10, as last amended by Chapter 176, Laws of Utah 2003
             30      ENACTS:
             31          78-3a-1001, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             32          78-3a-1002, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             33          78-3a-1003, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             34          78-3a-1004, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             35          78-3a-1005, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             36     
             37      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             38          Section 1. Section 78-3a-104 is amended to read:
             39           78-3a-104. Jurisdiction of juvenile court -- Original -- Exclusive.
             40          (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, the juvenile court has exclusive original
             41      jurisdiction in proceedings concerning:
             42          (a) a minor who has violated any federal, state, or local law or municipal ordinance or a
             43      person younger than 21 years of age who has violated any law or ordinance before becoming
             44      18 years of age, regardless of where the violation occurred, excluding traffic laws and boating
             45      and ordinances;
             46          (b) a person 21 years of age or older who has failed or refused to comply with an order
             47      of the juvenile court to pay a fine or restitution, if the order was imposed prior to the person's
             48      21st birthday; however, the continuing jurisdiction is limited to causing compliance with
             49      existing orders;
             50          (c) a minor who is an abused child, neglected child, or dependent child, as those terms
             51      are defined in Section 78-3a-103 ;
             52          (d) a protective order for a minor pursuant to the provisions of Title 78, Chapter 3h,
             53      Child Protective Orders, which the juvenile court may transfer to the district court if the
             54      juvenile court has entered an ex parte protective order and finds that:
             55          (i) the petitioner and the respondent are the natural parent, adoptive parent, or step
             56      parent of the child who is the object of the petition;
             57          (ii) the district court has a petition pending or an order related to custody or parent-time
             58      entered under Title 30, Chapter 3, Divorce, Title 30, Chapter 6, Cohabitant Abuse Act, or Title


             59      78, Chapter [45a, Uniform Act on Paternity] 45g, Utah Uniform Parentage Act, in which the
             60      petitioner and the respondent are parties; and
             61          (iii) the best interests of the child will be better served in the district court;
             62          (e) appointment of a guardian of the person or other guardian of a minor who comes
             63      within the court's jurisdiction under other provisions of this section;
             64          (f) the emancipation of a minor in accordance with Part 10, Emancipation;
             65          [(f)] (g) the termination of the legal parent-child relationship in accordance with Part 4,
             66      Termination of Parental Rights Act, including termination of residual parental rights and
             67      duties;
             68          [(g)] (h) the treatment or commitment of a mentally retarded minor;
             69          [(h)] (i) a minor who is a habitual truant from school;
             70          [(i)] (j) the judicial consent to the marriage of a minor under age 16 upon a
             71      determination of voluntariness or where otherwise required by law, employment, or enlistment
             72      of a minor when consent is required by law;
             73          [(j)] (k) any parent or parents of a minor committed to a secure youth corrections
             74      facility, to order, at the discretion of the court and on the recommendation of a secure youth
             75      corrections facility, the parent or parents of a minor committed to a secure youth corrections
             76      facility for a custodial term, to undergo group rehabilitation therapy under the direction of a
             77      secure youth corrections facility therapist, who has supervision of that parent's or parents'
             78      minor, or any other therapist the court may direct, for a period directed by the court as
             79      recommended by a secure youth corrections facility;
             80          [(k)] (l) a minor under Title 55, Chapter 12, Interstate Compact on Juveniles;
             81          [(l)] (m) the treatment or commitment of a mentally ill child. The court may commit a
             82      child to the physical custody of a local mental health authority in accordance with the
             83      procedures and requirements of Title 62A, Chapter 15, Part 7, Commitment of Persons Under
             84      Age 18 to Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. The court may not commit a child
             85      directly to the Utah State Hospital;
             86          [(m)] (n) the commitment of a minor in accordance with Section 62A-15-301 ;
             87          [(n)] (o) de novo review of final agency actions resulting from an informal adjudicative
             88      proceeding as provided in Section 63-46b-15 ; and
             89          [(o)] (p) adoptions conducted in accordance with the procedures described in Title 78,


             90      Chapter 30, Adoption, when the juvenile court has previously entered an order terminating the
             91      rights of a parent and finds that adoption is in the best interest of the minor.
             92          (2) In addition to the provisions of Subsection (1)(a) the juvenile court has exclusive
             93      jurisdiction over any traffic or boating offense committed by a minor under 16 years of age and
             94      concurrent jurisdiction over all other traffic or boating offenses committed by a minor 16 years
             95      of age or older, except that the court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the following
             96      offenses committed by a minor under 18 years of age:
             97          (a) Section 76-5-207 , automobile homicide;
             98          (b) Section 41-6a-502 , operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or
             99      drugs;
             100          (c) Section 41-6a-528 , reckless driving or Section 73-18-12 , reckless operation;
             101          (d) Section 41-1a-1314 , unauthorized control over a motor vehicle, trailer, or
             102      semitrailer for an extended period of time; and
             103          (e) Section [ 41-6a-206 ] 41-6a-210 or 73-18-20 , fleeing a peace officer.
             104          (3) The court also has jurisdiction over traffic and boating offenses that are part of a
             105      single criminal episode filed in a petition that contains an offense over which the court has
             106      jurisdiction.
             107          (4) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over an ungovernable or runaway minor who is
             108      referred to it by the Division of Child and Family Services or by public or private agencies that
             109      contract with the division to provide services to that minor where, despite earnest and
             110      persistent efforts by the division or agency, the minor has demonstrated that he:
             111          (a) is beyond the control of his parent, guardian, lawful custodian, or school authorities
             112      to the extent that his behavior or condition endangers his own welfare or the welfare of others;
             113      or
             114          (b) has run away from home.
             115          (5) This section does not restrict the right of access to the juvenile court by private
             116      agencies or other persons.
             117          (6) The juvenile court has jurisdiction of all magistrate functions relative to cases
             118      arising under Section 78-3a-602 .
             119          (7) The juvenile court has jurisdiction to make a finding of substantiated,
             120      unsubstantiated, or without merit, in accordance with Section 78-3a-320 .


             121          Section 2. Section 78-3a-119 is amended to read:
             122           78-3a-119. Period of operation of judgment, decree, or order -- Rights and
             123      responsibilities of agency or individual granted legal custody.
             124          (1) A judgment, order, or decree of the juvenile court does not operate after the minor
             125      becomes 21 years of age, except for:
             126          (a) orders of commitment to the Utah State Developmental Center or to the custody of
             127      the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health;
             128          (b) adoption orders under Subsection 78-3a-104 (1)[(o)];
             129          (c) orders permanently terminating the rights of a parent, guardian, or custodian, and
             130      permanent orders of custody and guardianships; and
             131          (d) unless terminated by the court, orders to pay any fine or restitution.
             132          (2) (a) Except as provided in Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings, an
             133      order vesting legal custody or guardianship of a minor in an individual, agency, or institution
             134      may be for an indeterminate period. A review hearing shall be held, however, upon the
             135      expiration of 12 months, and, with regard to petitions filed by the Division of Child and Family
             136      Services, no less than once every six months thereafter. The individual, agency, or institution
             137      involved shall file the petition for that review hearing. The court may terminate the order, or
             138      after notice and hearing, continue the order if it finds continuation of the order necessary to
             139      safeguard the welfare of the minor or the public interest. The findings of the court and its
             140      reasons shall be entered with the continuation order or with the order denying continuation.
             141          (b) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to minors who are in the custody of the Division
             142      of Child and Family Services, and who are placed in foster care, a secure youth corrections
             143      facility, the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, the Utah State Developmental
             144      Center, or any agency licensed for child placements and adoptions, in cases where all parental
             145      rights of the natural parents have been terminated by the court under Part 4, Termination of
             146      Parental Rights Act, and custody of the minor has been granted to the agency for adoption or
             147      other permanent placement.
             148          (3) (a) An agency granted legal custody may determine where and with whom the
             149      minor will live, provided that placement of the minor does not remove him from the state
             150      without court approval.
             151          (b) An individual granted legal custody shall personally exercise the rights and


             152      responsibilities involved in legal custody, unless otherwise authorized by the court.
             153          Section 3. Section 78-3a-1001 is enacted to read:
             154     
Part 10. Emancipation

             155          78-3a-1001. Purpose.
             156          (1) The purpose of this part is to provide a means by which a minor who has
             157      demonstrated the ability and capacity to manage his or her own affairs and to live independent
             158      of his or her parents or guardian, may obtain the legal status of an emancipated person with the
             159      power to enter into valid legal contracts.
             160          (2) This part is not intended to interfere with the integrity of the family or to minimize
             161      the rights of parents or children.
             162          Section 4. Section 78-3a-1002 is enacted to read:
             163          78-3a-1002. Definitions.
             164          As used in this part:
             165          (1) "Guardian" has the same meaning as in Section 75-1-201 .
             166          (2) "Minor" means a person 16 years of age or older.
             167          (3) "Parent" means a natural parent as defined in Section 78-3a-103 .
             168          Section 5. Section 78-3a-1003 is enacted to read:
             169          78-3a-1003. Petition for emancipation.
             170          (1) A minor may petition the juvenile court on his or her own behalf in the district in
             171      which he or she resides for a declaration of emancipation. The petition shall be on a form
             172      provided by the clerk of the court, and state that the minor is:
             173          (a) 16 years of age or older;
             174          (b) capable of living independently of his or her parents or guardian; and
             175          (c) capable of managing his or her own financial affairs.
             176          (2) Notice of the petition shall be served on the minor's parents, guardian, any other
             177      person or agency with custody of the minor, and the Child and Family Support Division of the
             178      Office of the Attorney General, unless the court determines that service is unnecessary or
             179      impractical.    
             180          Section 6. Section 78-3a-1004 is enacted to read:
             181          78-3a-1004. Court procedure.
             182          (1) Upon the filing of a petition in accordance with Section 78-3a-1003 , the court shall


             183      schedule a pretrial hearing on the matter within 30 days.
             184          (2) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem in accordance with Section 78-3a-912
             185      to represent the minor.
             186          (3) At the hearing, the court shall consider the best interests of the minor according to
             187      the following:
             188          (a) whether the minor is capable of assuming adult responsibilities;
             189          (b) whether the minor is capable of living independently of his or her parents, guardian,
             190      or custodian;
             191          (c) opinions and recommendations from the guardian ad litem, parents, guardian, or
             192      custodian, and any other evidence; and
             193          (d) whether emancipation will create a risk of harm to the minor.
             194          (4) If the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that emancipation is in the
             195      best interests of the minor, it shall issue a declaration of emancipation.
             196          Section 7. Section 78-3a-1005 is enacted to read:
             197          78-3a-1005. Emancipation.
             198          (1) An emancipated minor may:
             199          (a) enter into contracts;
             200          (b) buy and sell property;
             201          (c) sue or be sued;
             202          (d) retain his or her own earnings;
             203          (e) borrow money for any purpose, including for education; and
             204          (f) obtain healthcare without parental consent.
             205          (2) An emancipated minor may not be considered an adult:
             206          (a) under the criminal laws of the state unless the requirements of Part 6, Transfer of
             207      Jurisdiction, have been met;
             208          (b) under the criminal laws of the state when he or she is a victim and the age of the
             209      victim is an element of the offense; and
             210          (c) for specific constitutional and statutory age requirements regarding voting, use of
             211      alcoholic beverages, possession of tobacco or firearms, and other health and safety regulations
             212      relevant to the minor because of the minor's age.
             213          (3) An order of emancipation prospectively terminates parental responsibilities that


             214      accrue based on the minor's status as a minor under the custody and control of a parent,
             215      guardian, or custodian, including parental tort liability for the acts of the minor.
             216          Section 8. Section 78-7-35 is amended to read:
             217           78-7-35. Civil fees of the courts of record -- Courts complex design.
             218          (1) (a) The fee for filing any civil complaint or petition invoking the jurisdiction of a
             219      court of record not governed by another subsection is $155.
             220          (b) The fee for filing a complaint or petition is:
             221          (i) $50 if the claim for damages or amount in interpleader exclusive of court costs,
             222      interest, and attorney fees is $2,000 or less;
             223          (ii) $95 if the claim for damages or amount in interpleader exclusive of court costs,
             224      interest, and attorney fees is greater than $2,000 and less than $10,000;
             225          (iii) $155 if the claim for damages or amount in interpleader is $10,000 or more; and
             226          (iv) $95 if the petition is filed under Title 30, Chapter 3, Divorce, or Title 30, Chapter
             227      4, Separate Maintenance.
             228          (c) The fee for filing a small claims affidavit is:
             229          (i) $45 if the claim for damages or amount in interpleader exclusive of court costs,
             230      interest, and attorney fees is $2,000 or less; and
             231          (ii) $70 if the claim for damages or amount in interpleader exclusive of court costs,
             232      interest, and attorney fees is greater than $2,000.
             233          (d) The fee for filing a counter claim, cross claim, complaint in intervention, third party
             234      complaint, or other claim for relief against an existing or joined party other than the original
             235      complaint or petition is:
             236          (i) $45 if the claim for relief exclusive of court costs, interest, and attorney fees is
             237      $2,000 or less;
             238          (ii) $75 if the claim for relief exclusive of court costs, interest, and attorney fees is
             239      greater than $2,000 and less than $10,000;
             240          (iii) $105 if the original petition is filed under Subsection (1)(a), the claim for relief is
             241      $10,000 or more, or the party seeks relief other than monetary damages; and
             242          (iv) $85 if the original petition is filed under Title 30, Chapter 3, Divorce, or Title 30,
             243      Chapter 4, Separate Maintenance.
             244          (e) The fee for filing a small claims counter affidavit is:


             245          (i) $35 if the claim for relief exclusive of court costs, interest, and attorney fees is
             246      $2,000 or less; and
             247          (ii) $50 if the claim for relief exclusive of court costs, interest, and attorney fees is
             248      greater than $2,000.
             249          (f) The fee for depositing funds under Section 57-1-29 when not associated with an
             250      action already before the court is determined under Subsection (1)(b) based on the amount
             251      deposited.
             252          (g) The fee for filing a petition is:
             253          (i) $75 for trial de novo of an adjudication of the justice court or of the small claims
             254      department; and
             255          (ii) $55 for an appeal of a municipal administrative determination in accordance with
             256      Section 10-3-703.7 .
             257          (h) The fee for filing a notice of appeal, petition for appeal of an interlocutory order, or
             258      petition for writ of certiorari is $205.
             259          (i) (i) Except for a petition filed under Subsection 77-18-10 (2), the fee for filing a
             260      petition for expungement is $65.
             261          (ii) There is no fee for a petition filed under Subsection 77-18-10 (2).
             262          (j) (i) Fifteen dollars of the fees established by Subsections (1)(a) through (i) shall be
             263      allocated to and between the Judges' Contributory Retirement Trust Fund and the Judges'
             264      Noncontributory Retirement Trust Fund, as provided in Title 49, Chapter 17, Judges'
             265      Contributory Retirement Act, and Title 49, Chapter 18, Judges' Noncontributory Retirement
             266      Act.
             267          (ii) Two dollars of the fees established by Subsections (1)(a) through (i) shall be
             268      allocated by the state treasurer to be deposited in the restricted account, Children's Legal
             269      Defense Account, as provided in Section 63-63a-8 .
             270          (iii) One dollar of the fees established under Subsections (1)(a) through (e), (1)(g), and
             271      (1)(r) shall be allocated to and deposited with the Dispute Resolution Fund as provided in
             272      Section 78-31b-9 .
             273          (iv) Fifteen dollars of the fees established by Subsections (1)(a), (1)(b)(iii) and (iv),
             274      (1)(d)(iii) and (iv), (1)(g)(ii), (1)(h), and (1)(i) shall be allocated by the state treasurer to be
             275      deposited in the restricted account, Court Security Account, as provided in Section 63-63c-102 .


             276          (v) Five dollars of the fees established by Subsections (1)(b)(i) and (ii), (1)(d)(ii) and
             277      (1)(g)(i) shall be allocated by the state treasurer to be deposited in the restricted account, Court
             278      Security Account, as provided in Section 63-63c-102 .
             279          (k) The fee for filing a judgment, order, or decree of a court of another state or of the
             280      United States is $25.
             281          (l) The fee for filing probate or child custody documents from another state is $25.
             282          (m) (i) The fee for filing an abstract or transcript of judgment, order, or decree of the
             283      Utah State Tax Commission is $30.
             284          (ii) The fee for filing an abstract or transcript of judgment of a court of law of this state
             285      or a judgment, order, or decree of an administrative agency, commission, board, council, or
             286      hearing officer of this state or of its political subdivisions other than the Utah State Tax
             287      Commission, is $40.
             288          (n) The fee for filing a judgment by confession without action under Section 78-22-3 is
             289      $25.
             290          (o) The fee for filing an award of arbitration for confirmation, modification, or
             291      vacation under Title 78, Chapter 31a, Utah Uniform Arbitration Act, that is not part of an
             292      action before the court is $25.
             293          (p) The fee for filing a petition or counter-petition to modify a decree of divorce is $40.
             294          (q) The fee for filing any accounting required by law is:
             295          (i) $10 for an estate valued at $50,000 or less;
             296          (ii) $20 for an estate valued at $75,000 or less but more than $50,000;
             297          (iii) $40 for an estate valued at $112,000 or less but more than $75,000;
             298          (iv) $80 for an estate valued at $168,000 or less but more than $112,000; and
             299          (v) $150 for an estate valued at more than $168,000.
             300          (r) The fee for filing a demand for a civil jury is $75.
             301          (s) The fee for filing a notice of deposition in this state concerning an action pending in
             302      another state under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 26 is $25.
             303          (t) The fee for filing documents that require judicial approval but are not part of an
             304      action before the court is $25.
             305          (u) The fee for a petition to open a sealed record is $25.
             306          (v) The fee for a writ of replevin, attachment, execution, or garnishment is $35 in


             307      addition to any fee for a complaint or petition.
             308          (w) (i) The fee for a petition for authorization for a minor to marry required by Section
             309      30-1-9 is $5.
             310          (ii) The fee for a petition for emancipation of a minor provided in Title 78, Chapter 3a,
             311      Part 10, Emancipation, is $50.
             312          (x) The fee for a certificate issued under Section 26-2-25 is $2.
             313          (y) The fee for a certified copy of a document is $4 per document plus 50 cents per
             314      page.
             315          (z) The fee for an exemplified copy of a document is $6 per document plus 50 cents
             316      per page.
             317          (aa) The Judicial Council shall by rule establish a schedule of fees for copies of
             318      documents and forms and for the search and retrieval of records under Title 63, Chapter 2,
             319      Government Records Access and Management Act. Fees under this Subsection (1)(aa) shall be
             320      credited to the court as a reimbursement of expenditures.
             321          (bb) There is no fee for services or the filing of documents not listed in this section or
             322      otherwise provided by law.
             323          (cc) Except as provided in this section, all fees collected under this section are paid to
             324      the General Fund. Except as provided in this section, all fees shall be paid at the time the clerk
             325      accepts the pleading for filing or performs the requested service.
             326          (dd) The filing fees under this section may not be charged to the state, its agencies, or
             327      political subdivisions filing or defending any action. In judgments awarded in favor of the
             328      state, its agencies, or political subdivisions, except the Office of Recovery Services, the court
             329      shall order the filing fees and collection costs to be paid by the judgment debtor. The sums
             330      collected under this Subsection (1)(dd) shall be applied to the fees after credit to the judgment,
             331      order, fine, tax, lien, or other penalty and costs permitted by law.
             332          (2) (a) (i) From March 17, 1994 until June 30, 1998, the administrator of the courts
             333      shall transfer all revenues representing the difference between the fees in effect after May 2,
             334      1994, and the fees in effect before February 1, 1994, as dedicated credits to the Division of
             335      Facilities Construction and Management Capital Projects Fund.
             336          (ii) (A) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(a)(ii)(B), the Division of Facilities
             337      Construction and Management shall use up to $3,750,000 of the revenue deposited in the


             338      Capital Projects Fund under this Subsection (2)(a) to design and take other actions necessary to
             339      initiate the development of a courts complex in Salt Lake City.
             340          (B) If the Legislature approves funding for construction of a courts complex in Salt
             341      Lake City in the 1995 Annual General Session, the Division of Facilities Construction and
             342      Management shall use the revenue deposited in the Capital Projects Fund under this Subsection
             343      (2)(a)(ii) to construct a courts complex in Salt Lake City.
             344          (C) After the courts complex is completed and all bills connected with its construction
             345      have been paid, the Division of Facilities Construction and Management shall use any monies
             346      remaining in the Capital Projects Fund under this Subsection (2)(a)(ii) to fund the Vernal
             347      District Court building.
             348          (iii) The Division of Facilities Construction and Management may enter into
             349      agreements and make expenditures related to this project before the receipt of revenues
             350      provided for under this Subsection (2)(a)(iii).
             351          (iv) The Division of Facilities Construction and Management shall:
             352          (A) make those expenditures from unexpended and unencumbered building funds
             353      already appropriated to the Capital Projects Fund; and
             354          (B) reimburse the Capital Projects Fund upon receipt of the revenues provided for
             355      under this Subsection (2).
             356          (b) After June 30, 1998, the administrator of the courts shall ensure that all revenues
             357      representing the difference between the fees in effect after May 2, 1994, and the fees in effect
             358      before February 1, 1994, are transferred to the Division of Finance for deposit in the restricted
             359      account.
             360          (c) The Division of Finance shall deposit all revenues received from the court
             361      administrator into the restricted account created by this section.
             362          (d) (i) From May 1, 1995 until June 30, 1998, the administrator of the courts shall
             363      transfer $7 of the amount of a fine or bail forfeiture paid for a violation of Title 41, Motor
             364      Vehicles, in a court of record to the Division of Facilities Construction and Management
             365      Capital Projects Fund. The division of money pursuant to Section 78-3-14.5 shall be calculated
             366      on the balance of the fine or bail forfeiture paid.
             367          (ii) After June 30, 1998, the administrator of the courts or a municipality shall transfer
             368      $7 of the amount of a fine or bail forfeiture paid for a violation of Title 41, Motor Vehicles, in


             369      a court of record to the Division of Finance for deposit in the restricted account created by this
             370      section. The division of money pursuant to Section 78-3-14.5 shall be calculated on the
             371      balance of the fine or bail forfeiture paid.
             372          (3) (a) There is created within the General Fund a restricted account known as the State
             373      Courts Complex Account.
             374          (b) The Legislature may appropriate monies from the restricted account to the
             375      administrator of the courts for the following purposes only:
             376          (i) to repay costs associated with the construction of the court complex that were
             377      funded from sources other than revenues provided for under this Subsection (3)(b)(i); and
             378          (ii) to cover operations and maintenance costs on the court complex.
             379          Section 9. Section 78-30-7 is amended to read:
             380           78-30-7. District court venue -- Jurisdiction of juvenile court -- Jurisdiction over
             381      nonresidents -- Time for filing.
             382          (1) Adoption proceedings shall be commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the
             383      district court either:
             384          (a) in the district where the person adopting resides, or if the person adopting is not a
             385      resident of this state, in the district where the child was born or in which the child-placing
             386      agency that has custody of the child is located; or
             387          (b) with the juvenile court as provided in Subsection 78-3a-104 (1)[(o)].
             388          (2) All orders, decrees, agreements, and notices in the proceedings shall be filed with
             389      the clerk of the court where the adoption proceedings were commenced under Subsection (1).
             390          (3) A petition for adoption shall be filed within 30 days of the date the adoptee is
             391      placed in the home of the petitioners for the purpose of adoption, unless the time for filing has
             392      been extended by the court, or unless the adoption is arranged by a licensed child-placing
             393      agency in which case the agency may extend the filing time.
             394          (4) (a) If a person whose consent for the adoption is required under Section 78-30-4.14
             395      cannot be found within the state, the fact of the minor's presence within the state shall confer
             396      jurisdiction on the court in proceedings under this chapter as to such absent person, provided
             397      that due notice has been given in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
             398          (b) The notice may not include:
             399          (i) the name of the person or persons seeking to adopt the adoptee; or


             400          (ii) an unmarried mother without that person's consent.
             401          (5) Service of notice as provided in Subsection (6) shall vest the court with jurisdiction
             402      over the person served in the same manner and to the same extent as if the person served was
             403      served personally within the state.
             404          (6) In the case of service outside the state, service completed not less than five days
             405      before the time set in the notice for appearance of the person served, shall be sufficient to
             406      confer jurisdiction.
             407          (7) Computation of periods of time not otherwise set forth in this section shall be made
             408      in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
             409          Section 10. Section 78-45-7.10 is amended to read:
             410           78-45-7.10. Adjustment when child becomes emancipated.
             411          (1) When a child becomes 18 years of age[,] or [has graduated] graduates from high
             412      school during the child's normal and expected year of graduation, whichever occurs later, dies,
             413      marries, becomes a member of the armed forces of the United States, or is emancipated by
             414      court order pursuant to Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 10, Emancipation, the base child support
             415      award is automatically adjusted to [reflect] the base combined child support obligation [shown
             416      in the table] for the remaining number of children due child support, shown in the table that
             417      was used to establish the most recent order, using the incomes of the parties as specified in that
             418      order or the worksheets, unless otherwise provided in the child support order.
             419          (2) The award may not be reduced by a per child amount derived from the base child
             420      support award originally ordered.
             421          (3) If the incomes of the parties are not specified in the [last] most recent order or the
             422      worksheets, the information regarding the incomes is not consistent, or the order deviates from
             423      the guidelines, automatic adjustment of the order does not apply and the order will continue
             424      until modified by the issuing tribunal. If the order is deviated and the parties subsequently
             425      obtain a judicial order that adjusts the support back to the date of the emancipation of the child,
             426      the Office of Recovery Services may not be required to repay any difference in the support
             427      collected during the interim.





Legislative Review Note
    as of 11-9-05 6:17 PM


Based on a limited legal review, this legislation has not been determined to have a high
probability of being held unconstitutional.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


Interim Committee Note
    as of 12-21-05 12:30 PM


The Judiciary Interim Committee recommended this bill.


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]