What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Missouri?

In Missouri, a stepparent adopts by filing a petition in the Circuit Court in your county, and the main requirements are the right consents (or a basis to proceed without them), a background check, and a court hearing. Here is how each piece works.

Residency: Missouri sets no minimum residency period, so you don't have to wait a set number of months before filing (RSMo § 453.010). Your county's Circuit Court clerk can tell you which county is the right place to file.

Consent:

• If the child is 14 or older, the child's consent is required (RSMo § 453.030).
• The other legal parent's consent is the usual path forward. The parental consent rules are also in RSMo § 453.030.

If the other parent is absent: Missouri addresses abandonment in RSMo § 453.040, and the period there is 6 months. Whether your situation meets that standard depends on your specific facts, such as contact, support and any dispute. For a contested case or an unknown or unreachable parent, ask the Circuit Court clerk about procedure and talk with an attorney about your particular circumstances.

Background checks: Missouri requires background checks to protect the child, including a criminal background check for the adopting stepparent. The clerk can confirm exactly which additional checks your county expects.

Home study: Missouri's home study is waived in stepparent adoptions (RSMo § 453.070), which saves time and expense. If the judge has questions in your case, the clerk can explain what to expect.

Filing and hearing: You file in the Circuit Court, and the court holds a hearing to decide whether to finalize the adoption. Missouri's forms and wording need to be precise for the court to accept them, so small errors can cause delays.

Timeline and cost:

• A stepparent adoption typically takes about 3-6 months.
• Court filing fees generally run $200-$500, and the total typically comes to under $1,000 when you file on your own.
• Hiring an attorney is often quoted at $3,000-$5,000+.

After finalization: Birth records are handled by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records. The court clerk or that office can explain how to request an updated record once your adoption is final.

Adult adoption: If the person you want to adopt is 18 or older, Missouri permits it, and the adoptee's own written consent alone is sufficient. It typically takes about 4-8 weeks. The parental consents in RSMo § 453.030 apply only when the adoptee is under 18.