Can a same-sex stepparent adopt in Missouri?

Yes! Same-sex stepparent adoption is fully legal in Missouri and all 50 states since the Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision.

The process is identical to any other stepparent adoption:

• Legal marriage required (same-sex marriages are recognized nationwide)
• 6 months Missouri residency
• Consent or abandonment of the other biological parent
• Background check
• Child consent if age 14+
• Home study waived for stepparents in Missouri

Common LGBTQ+ scenarios we handle:

• Wife adopting wife's biological child from prior relationship
• Husband adopting husband's biological child from prior relationship
• Second-parent adoption for unmarried same-sex couples (available in some Missouri counties)

Important: There should be no discrimination based on sexual orientation in the adoption process. If you experience any issues, document them and contact an LGBTQ+ family law advocacy organization.

Filed in: Circuit Court

Cost: $349 document preparation

Timeline: 3-6 months

We've helped many LGBTQ+ families complete their adoptions. Your family deserves the same legal protections as any other. Start at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire.