What are Missouri's adoption laws?

Missouri adoption is governed by Revised Statutes of Missouri Chapter 453. Here are the key provisions:

Residency: 6 months (RSMo § 453.010)

Court: Circuit Court

Child Consent: Age 14+ (RSMo § 453.030)

Abandonment: 6 months no contact (RSMo § 453.040)

Termination: Can be included in adoption proceeding

Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents (RSMo § 453.070)

Timeline: Minor: 3-6 months | Adult: 4-8 weeks

Missouri has 115 counties, each with its own Circuit Court. Our documents are customized for your specific countie's requirements.

We've helped 971+ families in Missouri navigate these laws successfully.