In re D.S. – 2025 UT 11 – termination of parental rights – standard of proof
This opinion is subject to revision before final publication in the Pacific Reporter In re D.S. - 2025 UT 11 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF UTAH STATE…
In re I.C. – 2025 UT App 37 – child abuse and neglect
In re I.C. - 2025 UT App 37 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF I.C., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. A.C., Appellant,…
In re I.C. – 2025 UT App 20 – thinking of smuggling a child instead of adoption?
In re I.C. - 2025 UT App 20 2025 UT App 20 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF I.C., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS…
House Bill 281
I like this idea (House Bill 281) https://le.utah.gov/Session/2025/bills/static/HB0281.html Do you like it too? If not, I'd like to know why. Schools are being asked to provide services that have nothing…
In re K.M. – 2025 UT App 17 – parents regaining custody from guardian
In re K.M. - 2025 UT App 17 Oral argument (Utah Court of Appeals archive): https://youtu.be/e8OUzlARvZk THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS IN THE INTEREST OF K.M., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN…
In re J.F. – 2024 UT App 178 – untimely appeal, lack of jurisduction
In re J.F. - 2024 UT App 178 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF J.F., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. J.S.F., Appellant,…
In re S.M. – 2024 UT App 135
2024 UT App 135 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF S.M., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. S.M., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH,…
KSL News Story “Child and Family Services speaks to lawmakers after 12-year-old’s death”
In this KSL.com news article, written by Garna Meijia, reporting on the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) addressed the Rules Review and General Oversight Committee. Please read more…
In re R.P. – 2024 UT App 106 – Appeal of Paternity Order
In re R.P. - 2024 UT App 106 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF R.P., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. K.J., Appellant,…
In re K.B – 2024 UT App 114 – Termination of Parental Rights
In re K.B - 2024 UT App 114 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.B., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. M.B., Appellant, v.…
2024 UT App 104 – In re B.D. – What is a dependent child?
2024 UT App 104 - In re B.D. THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF B.D., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. N.D., Appellant,…
In re A.H., 2024 UT 26 – Termination of Parental Rights
This opinion is subject to revision before final publication in the Pacific Reporter In re A.H. - 2024 UT 26 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF UTAH STATE…
2024 UT App 91 – In re R.D. – Juvenile Court Jurisdiction – Parental Presumption
2024 UT App 91 – In re R.D. THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS IN THE INTEREST OF R.D. AND Z.J., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. K.J., Appellant, v. N.J.…
2024 UT App 52 – In re A.S. – child neglect, photographing genitals
2024 UT App 52 - In re A.S. THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF A.S. AND J.S., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.…
2024 UT App 47 – In re K.J. – removal, shelter hearing
2024 UT App 47 – In re K.J. THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.J., M.J., AND K.J., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.…
Can I Request to Have My Son’s Grandmother Removed From the Courtroom During My Custody Case Proceedings?
Are the court proceedings in your kind of case open to the public? If so, then the grandmother, being a member of the public, may have a right to be…
In re O.N. – 2024 UT App 27 – failure to sign notice of appeal
In re O.N. - 2024 UT App 27 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF O.N. AND R.N., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. K.D.,…
In re H.H. – 2024 UT App 25 – termination of parental rights
In re H.H. - 2024 UT App 25 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF H.H. AND N.H., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. T.H.…
H.B. 20 “Parental Rights Amendments”
Today’s blog post treats House Bill 20, one of several proposed family law-related pieces of legislation for the 2024 Utah legislative session. H.B. 20 is entitled “Parental Rights Amendments” According…
Family Law Legislation for the 2024 Utah State Legislative Session
Here is a list of the current proposed family law legislation for the 2024 Utah State Legislative session, along with a (very) brief description of the proposed legislation. If you…
In re J.T. – 2023 UT App 157
2023 UT App 157 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF J.T. AND A.T., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. F.R., Appellant, v. STATE OF…
In re R.G. – 2023 UT App 144 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS
STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF R.G., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. G.G., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH, Appellee. Opinion No. 20220635-CA Filed November 24, 2023 Second…
In re G.H. – 2023 UT App 132 – juvenile court grandparent guardianship
THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF G.H. AND R.H., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. L.G., Appellant, v. R.G. AND R.G., Appellees. Opinion No. 20220920-CA…
In re K.A.S. – 2023 UT App 138 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.S., A PERSON OVER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
STATE OF UTAH, Appellee, v. K.S., Appellant. Opinion No. 20210291-CA Filed November 16, 2023 Third District Juvenile Court, Salt Lake Department The Honorable Mark W. May No. 1108274 Monica Maio,…
In re A.S.G.-R. – 2023 UT App 126 – permanent custody and guardianship
In re A.S.G.-R. - 2023 UT App 126 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF A.S.G.-R., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. G.R., Appellant,…
In re H.M. – 2023 UT App 122 – termination of parental rights
In re H.M. - 2023 UT App 122 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF H.M. AND D.M., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. G.B., Appellant, v.…
In re D.S. – 2023 UT App 98 – reversal of termination of parental rights
In re D.S. - 2023 UT App 98 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF D.S. AND K.S., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. S.S.,…
In re R.G. – 2023 UT App 114 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF R.G., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. M.M., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH, Appellee. Opinion No. 20220629-CA Filed September 28, 2023 Second District Juvenile Court, Ogden Department The Honorable Tasha Williams No. 1183589 Colleen K. Coebergh, Attorney for Appellant Sean D. Reyes, Carol L.C. Verdoia, and John M. Peterson, Attorneys for Appellee Martha Pierce, Guardian ad Litem
Appellee. Opinion No. 20220629-CA Filed September 28, 2023 Second District Juvenile Court, Ogden Department The Honorable Tasha Williams No. 1183589 Colleen K. Coebergh, Attorney for Appellant Sean D. Reyes, Carol…
In re M.M. – 2023 UT App 95 – termination of parental rights
2023 UT App 95 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF M.M., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. A.M., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH,…
What Must the Juvenile Court Consider on a Petition to Terminate a Parent’s Parental Rights?
Before terminating a parent’s rights, the court must find that termination is “strictly necessary to promote the child’s best interest.” This analysis must be undertaken from the child’s point of view.…
In re K.R. – 2023 UT App 75 – termination of parental rights vs. guardianship
In re K.R. - 2023 UT App 75 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.R. AND R.B., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.…
In re M.S. – 2023 UT App 74
In re M.S. - 2023 UT App 74 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF M.S., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. R.S. AND…
2023 UT App 55 – In re F.C.G.
2023 UT App 55 - In re F.C.G. THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF F.C.G., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. L.C.G., Appellant,…
State in Interest of P.J.R., 2023 UT App 27
THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF P.J.R., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. C.S., Appellant, V. STATE OF UTAH, Appellee. Opinion No. 20220264-CA…
State In Interest of B.W. – 2022 UT App 131
State In Interest of B.W. - 2022 UT App 131 Court of Appeals of Utah. STATE of Utah, IN the INTEREST OF B.W., J.W., and N.W., persons under eighteen years…
In Re K.K. – 2023 UT App 14 – Abuse and Neglect Adjudication
In re K.K. - 2023 UT App 14 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.K., S.K., AND S.K., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.…
In re K.K. – 2023 UT App 13
In re K.K. - 2023 UT App 13 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.K., S.K., AND S.K., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.…
In Re J.E. – 2023 UT App 3 – Challenge to Voluntary Declaration of Paternity
In re J.E. - 2023 UT App 3 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF J.E., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. D.E., Appellant,…
In Re A.H. – 2022 UT App 114 – Termination of Parental Rights
2022 UT App 114 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF A.H., J.H., J.H., L.H., N.H., S.H., AND E.H., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.…
In Re J.E. 2023 UT App 3, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity
2023 UT App 3 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF J.E., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. D.E., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH,…
In Re K.T. 2023 UT App 5 – Substantiation of Child Abuse
2023 UT App 5 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF K.T., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. J.K., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH,…
In re J.L… 2022 UT 12 – termination of parental rights
2022 UT 12 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF UTAH STATE OF UTAH, in the Interest of J.A.L. and J.O.L., Persons Under Eighteen Years of Age J.L. and…
In re J.P. – 2021 UT App 134 – termination of parental rights
In re J.P. - 2021 UT App 134 2021 UT App 134 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF J.P. AND T.P., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS…
In re J.P. – 2021 UT App 134 – termination of parental rights
2021 UT App 134 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF J.P. AND T.P., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. T.L., Appellant, v. STATE OF…
In re Z.C. W. – 2021 UT App 98 – Utah Court of Appeals
In re Z.C.W. - 2021 UT App 98 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF Z.C.W. AND C.C.W., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. R.D., Appellant, v. C.L.W., Appellee. Opinion No. 20200039-CA Filed September 23, 2021 Third District…
In re A.H. – 2021 UT App 57, Ineffective Assistance, Reasonable Efforts
ttps://www.utcourts.gov/opinions/appopin/In%20re%20A.H...20210528_20190846_57.pdf In re A.H. - 2021 UT App 57 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF A.H. AND N.H., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. K.H., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH, Appellee. Opinion No. 20190846-CA Filed…
Does having the judge interview the children traumatize the children?
Does having the judge interview the children traumatize the children? This post is the second in series of 15 posts on the subject of custody evaluations and the appointment…
In re J.R.H. – 2020 UT App 155 – witness credibility, sufficiency of evidence
THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF J.R.H., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. J.R.H., Appellant, vs. STATE OF UTAH, Appellee. Opinion No. 20190419-CA…
In re C.M.R. 2020 UT App 114 – abuse, ineffective assistance of counsel
2020 UT App 114 https://www.utcourts.gov/opinions/appopin/In%20re%20C.M.R...20200806_20190808_114.pdf THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF C.M.R., B.T.R., P.J.R., F.S., AND O.S., PERSONS UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. C.S.,…
In re D.M. – 2020 UT App 59 – termination of parental rights
2020 UT App 59 THE UTAH COURT OF APPEALS STATE OF UTAH, IN THE INTEREST OF D.M., A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. D.M., Appellant, v. STATE OF UTAH,…
