Adoption Agency Bankruptcy Left Utah Families With Losses
Prospective parents are among the creditors seeking repayment after Brighter Adoptions closed with millions in liabilities.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Debt Relief
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Brighter Adoptions closed in February 2026, and owner Sandi Quick, also known as Sandi Benson, has since filed for bankruptcy. Over 20 families and the IRS are currently seeking repayment as the agency faces more than $2.7 million in total liabilities.
Why it matters
The agency shuttered following operational failures, including the use of forged medical documents, leaving prospective parents to navigate the complex legal process of recovering significant financial losses. Because bankruptcy filings establish a strict hierarchy for creditor repayment, these families face uncertainty as government claims often take precedence.
The agency listed over $2.7 million in total liabilities, a sum that includes nearly $600,000 in missing funds collected from prospective parents. Some individual households, such as the Jantz family, have reported paying $47,000 in matching fees prior to the agency's closure.
The players
Sandi Quick
The owner of Brighter Adoptions who filed for bankruptcy under the name Sandi Benson.
IRS
A federal agency that acts as a priority creditor in bankruptcy proceedings, typically receiving payments before private individuals.
Jantz family
A household that reported losing $47,000 in fees paid to the agency for adoption matching services.
The details
Brighter Adoptions collected fees from families intended to cover birth mothers' living and medical expenses before ceasing operations amid reports of forged documents. The bankruptcy filing consolidates various debts, including mortgages, taxes, and personal loans, into a single proceeding. Creditors must now wait for the court-appointed process to determine how remaining assets are distributed among claimants.
Timeline
February 2026: Brighter Adoptions closed its operations.
October 1, 2026: The bankruptcy filing for the agency was reported.
Money Landscape
This bankruptcy filing follows the standard legal precedent set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code's creditor priority structure. The process dictates that government agencies and secured lenders are generally paid before unsecured creditors, such as prospective parents seeking fee refunds.
Families affected by the closure should consult with a qualified legal or financial professional to understand their status as unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy filing. It is essential to monitor court notices regarding deadlines for submitting claims to ensure you are included in potential asset distributions.
The takeaway
When an agency fails, the legal path to recouping fees is often dictated by the order of priority established in bankruptcy court. Affected families should gather all payment records and receipts, and consult with a legal professional to ensure their claim is formally registered with the court.
Further reading
For more on how debt settlements and bankruptcy proceedings work for consumers, visit our Debt Relief section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUER.
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