Missouri Adoption

The Laws, Requirements, and Process of Missouri Adoption

One of the beautiful things in this world is the ability to proceed with an MO adoption. Specifically, in this case, a Missouri adoption.

But how does one go about it? What are the laws? What are the qualifications? This will investigate everything you need to know about MO adoption.

A Common Law of Missouri Adoption

What makes a child adoptable?

First and foremost, these specific characteristics would abide by the Missouri law of adoption:

1. Both Birth Parents Agree

2. Termination of Parental Rights

3. Neglect or Abuse

4. Death of Parents

If any of these are present, the child by law is able to be adopted by anyone. Of course, in any state there are specific needs when it comes to MO adoption.

What About Missouri Adoption? Any Needs?

In the state of Missouri, the standard consensus is that a need for African American parents to adopt older foster children is crucial. There are, though, other issues, such as:

1. Race

2. Religion

3. Age

4. Sexual Preference

5. Marital Status

6. Disability

All of that is taken into account when considering MO adoption, especially if the birth parent is still present with the issue of agreeing to adopt. If the birth parent specifically requests a certain kind of adoption parent – whether by race, religion, age, or disability (or no disability) – priority is given to those considering Missouri adoptions matching those qualities.

Overall, though, the ultimate best interests on behalf of the child are the highest priority.

Is There Any Going Back With Missouri Adoptions?

No. Generally speaking, once the consent to adopt reaches the courts, birth parents – if available – cannot simply revoke that consent for Missouri adoptions.

Understand the Costs of Missouri Adoptions

Amazingly enough, it just so happens that Missouri adoptions aren’t just for the super-rich. Although most adoptions can cost anywhere from nothing to $40,000. It all depends on the type of Missouri adoption, basically.

The Standard Process

Once an adoption agency works with a prospective individual or couple on the adoption of a child in Missouri and a choice has been made along with proper legal consent, the process of adoption can take anywhere from days to years. That, of course, all depends on just how specific the prospective parents adopting the child are about the child in question.

Of course, Missouri law does require adopting parents to wait a total of six months before adoption finalization. More often than not, an attorney is essential for either the birth parent(s) or adopting parent(s), since the adoption process revolves around legal matters. They are, however, not required.

Do the Birth Parents Still Have Rights Even After a Missouri Adoption?

Generally, no. There’s no legal mandate either for visitations. That doesn’t, however, rule out the adopting parent(s) and birth parent(s) ability to work something out. There’s no prohibition on visitation by law for birth parents in Missouri.

Such issues can be interpreted by either adopting parent or birth parent with the facilitation of a skilled adoption law attorney, possibly resulting in casework for a judge to decide on a ruling when there is no statute available.

NEXT: Montana Adoption