Can I adopt my stepchild who is a newborn or infant in Missouri?

Yes. You can pursue a stepparent adoption of a newborn or infant stepchild in Missouri by filing a petition in the Circuit Court under Revised Statutes of Missouri Chapter 453. Missouri doesn't make you wait for the baby to reach a certain age. The details that matter most for a very young child are who needs to consent and how long you have lived in the state.

Residency: Missouri sets no minimum residency period before you can file (RSMo § 453.010). You don't need to wait out a residency clock after a move or a new marriage.

Child's consent: A child's own consent applies at age 14 (RSMo § 453.030). A newborn or infant is far younger, so there is no consent for the child to give.

Consent from the other parent: This is usually the biggest question with a baby. Parental consent is addressed in RSMo § 453.030. If the other legal parent will not consent, the abandonment provision (6 months, RSMo § 453.040) may come into play. With a newborn, 6 months may not have passed yet, and whether abandonment applies depends on the specific facts. If the other parent is unknown, was never involved, or disagrees with the adoption, ask the Circuit Court clerk in your county or an attorney about your situation before filing.

Home study: Missouri waives the home study for stepparent adoptions (RSMo § 453.070). That means one less step, and one less wait, for a family with a new baby.

Timeline and cost:

• Stepparent adoptions in Missouri typically take 3-6 months.
• Court filing fees generally run $200-$500, and the total cost is typically under $1,000 when you prepare and file the paperwork yourself.
• The clerk's office in your county can confirm the exact fee and local filing steps.