Missouri

Who may adopt?
Any person, regardless of residence.
A person who petitions jointly with his spouse.

Consent for adoption to be executed?
Consent may be executed before a judge or notary public any time after the
child is 48 hours old, before or after a petition for adoption is filed.

Revocation of consent?
Consent may be withdrawn at any time until it is reviewed and accepted by the judge.
Case law states that consent is irrevocable absent fraud, duress, or coercion.

Who may place a child for adoption?
The Division of Family Services of the Department of Social Services.
A licensed child-placing agency.
The child's parent(s).
An intermediary, including an attorney, physician, or clergyman.

Advertising?
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Facilitators?
A person, agency, or other organization commits the crime of trafficking in children if he or it offers, gives, receives, or solicits any money, consideration, or other thing of value for the delivery or offer of a child for adoption, or for the execution of a consent to future adoption.

Putative Father's Registry?
Yes. The putative father may file prior to the child's birth, or within 15 days after the child's birth, a notice of intent to claim paternity or an acknowledgment of paternity form.

Expenses?
Birth parent –
Hospital and medical costs.
Counseling services.
Any assessments made.
Legal expenses and court costs.
Travel and living expenses.
Any other services or items the court finds reasonably necessary.

Department/Agency –
The division of family services may be paid a reasonable fee to cover the cost of an investigation and report.

Information provided in part by the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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Credits: Sandra Hanks Benoiton