How does stepparent adoption affect my child's citizenship or immigration status in Utah?

Adoption can have significant positive immigration effects, depending on the child's current status and the adoptive parent's citizenship.

If the adopting stepparent is a U.S. citizen and the child is not:

• Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, the child may automatically become a U.S. citizen upon finalization of the adoption if:

- The child is under 18

- The child is a permanent resident (green card holder)

- The child resides in the custody of the U.S. citizen parent

- The adoption is legally finalized

If the child is already a U.S. citizen:

• No immigration impact — the adoption is purely a domestic legal matter
• Filed in Utah District Court under Utah Code Title 78B, Chapter 6

If both the stepparent and child are non-citizens:

• The adoption can still proceed in Utah if residency requirements are met
• Immigration implications should be discussed with an immigration attorney

Important: This is a complex intersection of family law and immigration law. We prepare all adoption documents ($349), but we recommend consulting an immigration attorney if citizenship is a factor.

Process in Utah:

• Residency: 0 months
• Timeline: 3-6 months
• Same requirements apply regardless of citizenship status

Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your immigration-related adoption questions.