Consent to Adoption
State-Specific Search Results

Missouri

Who May Adopt

Statute:
§ 453.030
The mother.
Any man who is presumed to be the father, has acted to establish paternity or has filed with the putative father registry.

The child's current adoptive parents or other legally recognized parent.

Age When Consent of Adoptee is Considered or Required

Statute:
§ 453.030
A child 14 years or older must consent to the adoption, except where the court finds that the child lacks sufficient mental capacity.


When Parental Consent is not Needed

Statute:
§ 453.040
A parent:
Whose rights have been terminated.
Whose identity is unknown.
Who has been found incompetent.
Who has abandoned or failed to support or care for the child.


When Consent Can Be Executed

Statute:
§ 453.030
May be executed before a judge or notary public any time after child is 48 hours old, before or after petition for adoption is filed.


How Consent Must Be Executed

Statute:
§ 453.030
Consent must be acknowledged before a notary public, or have consenting person's signature witnessed by 2 adults.


Revocation of Consent

Statute:
§ 453.030
Consent may be withdrawn at any time until reviewed and accepted by the judge.
Case law states that consent is irrevocable absent fraud, duress or coercion.