A Complete Guide to Understanding the Complex Missouri Adoption Laws

Understanding the Missouri Adoption Laws

There are many reasons people might need to have a better understanding of Missouri adoption laws. Perhaps a family has been unable to conceive, they want to provide a sibling for their existing children, or they merely wish to give a loving home to a child without one. Maybe you, as the birth parent feel financially insecure, incapable, or otherwise unable to provide the loving home your new infant deserves. Regardless of why you are considering adoption (whether it is on the giving or receiving end), it is vital to seek the services of an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about Missouri adoption laws.

Perhaps you plan to adopt children from the state of Missouri, a child whose birth occurred in another country, or begin your adoption journey with foster care. Whether you choose to work with an adoption agency, family services, or try to become adoptive parents on your own, you should seek a sympathetic attorney to ensure a smooth adoption process. Then, you and your adopted child may begin your beautiful life together.

Facts Regarding the Process for Adoption in Missouri

According to the process for adoption in Missouri, both birth parents must consent: the birth mother and the putative father – this is the man who claims paternity – need to provide consent for the adoption to occur. In addition to each birth parent, consent is also required by any child over the age of 14 facing adoption.

The birth mother must wait a minimum of 48 hours after the child is born before offering consent to adoption for her parental rights to end. In the state of Missouri, the presumed father must consent to the adoption if he did any of the following:

• Established paternity within 15 days of the child’s birth
• Satisfied the requirements stated by Missouri adoption laws
• Filed with the putative father registry

A man may also decide to place his name on the putative father registry to ensure his parental rights are reserved, especially if he believes that his child’s mother will attempt to consent to the adoption against his will. He will then be notified if a state of Missouri adoption is initiated. This allows him to contest it because once approval for the adoption has been provided, it is irreversible. If there is a dispute, you will require child custody lawyers experienced in Missouri Family Court.

The Process to Become Adoptive Parents Can Be a Difficult One Without Legal Assistance

The process to become adoptive parents generally begins by completing and filing a petition to adopt a child, which can be found here. Be advised that for state of Missouri households considering adopting a child from another country, the requirements to do so will differ by nation.

In many cases, and with the assistance of a confident attorney, adoptions in Missouri are straight-forward. 

Along with the consent of the birth parent or parents, prospective adoptive family will be subjected to the following by a certified Missouri specialist to ensure that they can provide safe and nurturing child care:

• Home study investigation
• Criminal record check
• Child abuse and negligent registries check

Although having a felony on your record does not always disallow you from adopting a child from foster care, if it includes the abuse or neglect, domestic violence, or sexual attack, you will be unlikely to adopt. Otherwise, the court may determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Finalization of the adoption Missouri process typically takes place about six months after filing. The Missouri Department of Social Services, family services, and a reputable attorney are additional valuable resources in the adoption process.

Adult Adoption FAQS

Although it is far less common, occasionally, a family will adopt an individual over the age of 18. The most typical factor for this type of adoption is to satisfy inheritance factors. It is usually done by a step-parent and permits somebody to leave their home, investments, or other monetary properties to the adopted individual more easily.

Another reason is for the adult adoptee to make it easier for him or her to care for an aging or impaired parental figure.

Keep in mind, it is prohibited to “pay” somebody in exchange for their willingness to grant an adoption.

Generally, when parties grant an adult adoption in Missouri, it simply ends up being a matter of submitting the correct types of paperwork. Although you can do this yourself without a legal representative, if it is part of a larger plan like estate planning or guardianship, you will want to retain a lawyer to begin a relationship with.

This can assist you with your adult adoption in Missouri by preparing all the forms you require to handle all elements of the adoption, as well as the other aspects that you need to be handled like further estate planning or conservatorship. A knowledgeable attorney will likewise provide you with additional guidelines and address your concerns throughout the process.

Missouri forms can be finished online, however, to prepare particular types of adult adoption paperwork, as well as receive guidelines on submitting them, it is beneficial to hire a skilled adoption attorney. When she finishes the documents, she will have you sign and submit them.

How Do You Find Missouri Adoption Records Online?

If you have an interest in Missouri adoption records online, you may have options. The Missouri Children’s Division offers the Adoption Information Registry. It allows adoptees over the age of 18, their birth parents, and biological adult siblings to fill out forms found here. Any of the interested parties should submit individual forms indicating a wish to contact each other.

The Registration Forms should be sent via mail in an envelope marked “Confidential” to:

Missouri Children’s Division

Adoption Information Registry

PO Box 88

Jefferson City, MO 65103

In many cases, this registry has reunited birth parents and other willing family members decades after the adoption has occurred.