{"id":374436,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-04T16:46:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T21:46:50","slug":"missouri-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Missouri Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-buckner-j-d\/\">Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 04, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Missouri adoption laws protect the legal rights of the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the adopted child. The adoption process in Missouri is similar to that of other states. Adoptive parents must undergo a home study, a background check, and other screenings. The biological parents must surrender their parental rights.<\/p>\r\n<p>Any adult over 21 may become an adoptive parent. Families considering adoption can go through a private adoption agency or the <a href=\"https:\/\/dss.mo.gov\/cd\/adoption-foster-care.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri Department of Social Services Children\u2019s Division<\/a>. This article provides a brief&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/details-on-state-adoption-laws.html\">overview of adoption laws<\/a> in the state of Missouri.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Missouri Adoption Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Missouri adoption laws allow any adult 21 years of age or over to adopt. There are no marital requirements. Single individuals or married couples may adopt children. Missouri state law <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxx-domestic-relations\/mo-rev-st-453-010.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">has no explicit restrictions on same-sex couples<\/a> adopting children.<\/p>\r\n<p>An adoptive family can already have children. Adoptive parents must also:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Be in good mental and physical health<\/li>\r\n<li>Pass a criminal background check including a child abuse registry search<\/li>\r\n<li>Demonstrate proof of financial stability<\/li>\r\n<li>Attend an orientation session explaining the adoption process<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>All prospective parents must undergo a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/resources\/home-study-requirements-prospective-foster-parents-missouri\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">home study<\/a> by a licensed social worker. This is true for independent adoptions and agency adoptions. The social worker interviews the family, inspects the residence, and ensures it will be a safe and loving home for the placement of children.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Types of Adoption<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Missouri has different types and categories of adoption. It&#8217;s important to know which one is right for you and your family. The legal processes include:<\/p>\r\n<p>In <b>closed <\/b>adoptions, courts seal adoption records. The adoptive family and birth parents have no contact after the adoption. Very few Missouri adoptions are closed.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Semi-closed<\/b> adoptions allow the adoptive family and birth parents to communicate through an intermediary. This can be an agency or an attorney.<\/p>\r\n<p>In <b>open<\/b> adoptions, the birth parents and adoptive parents have direct communication. The birth mother may be a part of her child\u2019s life if she wishes. This is the most common type of adoption in Missouri, and studies have shown adoptees do best when they have contact with their birth parents.<\/p>\r\n<p>There are different types of adoptions as well. Not only minor children are eligible for adoption:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Agency adoptions<\/b>: These adoptions are carried out through licensed adoption agencies. Child placing agencies match available children with prospective parents who contact the Department of Social Services or the agency itself.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Independent adoptions<\/b>: Birth parents find prospective families on their own or with the assistance of private intermediaries like attorneys or friends. A social worker or juvenile officer conducts the home study at the court\u2019s direction.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Relative adoptions<\/b>: These involve adopters related to the child. The child\u2019s parents may <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxx-domestic-relations\/mo-rev-st-453-014\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">place the child in a relative\u2019s home<\/a> without an intermediary.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Stepparent adoption<\/b>: The spouse of a custodial parent can petition to adopt the child. The non-custodial parent must agree to the adoption and terminate their parental rights.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Adult adoptions<\/b>: Adult adoptions take place when the adoptee is over the age of 18. Adopted adults must consent in writing.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Foster care adoption<\/b>: These occur when a foster family decides to adopt a foster child. Courts and social services give preference to foster parents if the parents and child have developed a bond.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Children over 14 must consent to their adoptions in writing. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xii-public-health-and-welfare\/mo-rev-st-210-565.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri law<\/a>, siblings cannot be separated during foster care or adoptions unless keeping them together is detrimental to their health and well-being.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Adoption Process<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Children become available for adoption upon the termination of parental rights of the birth parents. The birth father may sign a consent for adoption at any time after the child\u2019s birth. The birth mother must wait at least 48 hours, even in an uncontested adoption.<\/p>\r\n<p>A man who may have parental rights to a child must place his name on <a href=\"https:\/\/health.mo.gov\/data\/vitalrecords\/correcting.php#collapsePutative\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri\u2019s Putative Father Registry<\/a> before or within 15 days after the child\u2019s birth. After that time, courts may terminate the father\u2019s rights without notice.<\/p>\r\n<p>After the placement hearing, the child must live with the prospective adoptive parents for six months. The finalization hearing makes the adoption official.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Interstate Adoptions<\/b>: Domestic adoptions from other states must comply with the <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mo\/title-xxx-domestic-relations\/mo-rev-st-453-500.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Interstate Compact on Placement of Children<\/a> (ICPC). Parents should consult an attorney or adoption specialist for this type of adoption. In Missouri, the child must stay in state with at least one adoptive parent until the court transfers custody to them.<\/p>\r\n<p><b>International Adoptions<\/b>: Adopting from other countries requires the services of at least two attorneys, one in each country. These adoptions must follow the rules of the Hague Convention. The state of Missouri is not often involved in these adoptions.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Missouri Adoption Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/how-to-adopt.html\">How to Adopt<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care\/foster-care-overview.html\">Foster Care Overview<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dss.mo.gov\/cd\/adoption-foster-care.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foster Care and Adoption &#8211; Missouri DSS<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/focusing-on-the-best-interests-of-the-child.html\">The Best Interests of the Child<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Adopting in Missouri? Get Legal Advice from a Missouri Adoption Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you\u2019re considering adopting a child or placing your own child with an adoptive family, it&#8217;s a good idea to get legal advice from an adoption professional. An experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/missouri\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Missouri family law attorney<\/a> will explain everything involved in your important decision and stand with you throughout the process.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 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class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Support Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/fathers-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" 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Learn about eligibility, requirements, training, and much more regarding Missouri adoption laws at FindLaw&#8217;s legal primer on adoption.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":374424,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3123],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-374436","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_26_2"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=374436"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374436\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374424"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=374436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=374436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=374436"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=374436"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=374436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}