Can I adopt my stepchild if we recently moved to Missouri?

Yes, you can start a stepparent adoption in Missouri even if you just moved here. Missouri has no minimum residency period before you file (RSMo § 453.010), so you don't have to wait out a set number of months in the state.

What a recent move means for you:

• There is no waiting period to count down, so you can begin preparing right away.
• Adoptions are handled by the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court clerk in the county where you now live can tell you which court location to file with and what proof of address they like to see.
• A move doesn't change the other steps in the process, which are covered below.

Other points that apply to your case:

• Child's consent: Missouri sets the child's consent age at 14 (RSMo § 453.030). If your stepchild is 14 or older, plan to talk with them about the adoption early.
• Other biological parent: Missouri's abandonment period is 6 months (RSMo § 453.040). Whether your situation fits that provision depends on your specific facts. For an absent, unknown, or unwilling parent, ask the Circuit Court clerk or an attorney about your case.
• Home study: Missouri waives the home study in stepparent adoptions (RSMo § 453.070).
• Background checks: Missouri requires background checks for child safety, including a criminal background check for the stepparent.

Timeline and cost:

• Stepparent adoptions in Missouri typically take 3-6 months.
• Court filing fees run about $200-$500, and the total typical cost is under $1,000. Attorney-handled adoptions are often quoted at $3,000-$5,000+.

Records you'll want to gather: You will likely need documents such as your marriage certificate and your stepchild's birth certificate. If you need certified copies of Missouri records, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records is the agency to contact. Your county's Circuit Court clerk can confirm exactly which documents they expect.

A note on your situation: If your stepchild's other parent is involved, if the case may be contested, or if you're unsure where the child legally lives, check those details with the Circuit Court clerk or a Missouri attorney. The right steps depend on the facts.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. You answer questions online, and we prepare the complete court document package for your county. You then file it yourself without an attorney. The price is $349 for the first child and $99 for each additional child. Court-ready documents are delivered within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions, and they come with our 100% court acceptance guarantee. We've helped 971 Missouri families, and more than 34,000 families nationally since 2001.