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blend expertise and experience
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– Tom Dickson, CEO – Blendtec
   WillitBlend.com
I was thrilled with the integrity and efficiency of my attorney. He handled the case with tactful professionalism. DexterLaw exceeded my expectations!
– Denise Clegg
My husband and I really needed help after complications with the birth of our baby. We were very happy that DexterLaw won our trial.
– Julie Walker
My experience as a client of Dexter & Dexter has been one of skilled and caring advocacy. I really appreciate all of their help.
– Mike Mann
I was delighted with the personal attention that I received from Dexter & Dexter. Their attorneys and staff are both helpful and professional.
– Jeanne Benson
My family turned to DexterLaw for help when we really needed it. They sincerely care about their clients.
– Guadalupe Valencia
The attorneys at Dexter & Dexter know how to get the job done!
We are thrilled to have them in our corner.
– Roxanne Bennett
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– Jefferson Moss
Life is an adventure. We are grateful that DexterLaw takes care of things so that we can focus on having the right kind of adventures!
– Gary Winterton, Creator & Host, Hooked on Utah
In order to win the gold, you need to go to the mat with the best team in your corner. That’s why I have chosen DexterLaw to represent me.
– Rulon Gardner, Olympic & World Champion
DexterLaw attorneys did a great job helping us prepare for our future. We sleep better knowing that our family’s interests are protected.
– Greg & Katie Fix
The law firm of Dexter & Dexter understands that law and business are all about people and relationships.
– Eric Hansen

Adoption

ADOPTION / TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

While many adoptions begin through an agency, some originate from other private opportunities.  For example, a stepparent may desire to adopt his or her spouse’s children, or a birth mother may discuss the possibility of adoption with a friend or relative rather than working with an agency.

An adoption is a legal proceeding that is actually a fusion of two separate events: (1) the termination of the parental rights and duties of a biological parent(s), and (2) the creation of legal parental rights and duties in the adopting parent(s).  Because the consequences of a termination/adoption are personally monumental and almost always irreversible, the court proceeds with caution and requires strict adherence to the procedures, background checks, and other filings.  Further, some adoption actions are required to go through the Juvenile Court system while others are contained within a District Court.

An adoption may be contested or uncontested in nature.  A contested adoption is one where the biological parent whose rights are sought to be terminated seeks to protect his or her status and prevent an adoption from occurring.  An uncontested adoption happens when a biological parent agrees to voluntarily relinquish his or her parental rights or when they fail to answer a properly served petition for adoption.  Regardless, a final adoption hearing is required before the assigned judge.

An adoption case may take as little as a few months to complete or as long as a few years depending on the circumstances and desires of the parties involved.  The assistance of an attorney is, therefore, invaluable whether to assist an individual whose rights are sought to be terminated or to bring about the adoption for the hopeful petitioner.


Frequent Questions Related to this practice area