10 Missouri Adoption Laws You Need to Know

Adoption is a thoughtful, loving decision. If you are considering this option, then you are already putting the needs of your child before your own. You want your child to have a better life than you can provide. As you consider taking this path, you may be curious about Missouri adoption laws.

The good news is that you do not have to take this road by yourself. There are plenty of resources available to you in Missouri. Whether you need legal services or emotional guidance, you can get the support you deserve. All at no cost to you. This is why a Missouri adoption agency can be such an important asset for you.

Adoption laws are complex and vary by state. Understanding the many adoption laws in Missouri can be overwhelming. A reputable adoption agency can work with you and help you understand what you need to know.

The legal services offered by an experienced adoption professionals – such as Adoptions With Love – can help ensure that your adoption is legal and safe. The adoption attorney team in Missouri can meet you at a time and place that is convenient for you, helping you understand your rights as an expectant/birth parent. They will also take the time to answer any questions you may have throughout the process.

Before diving into the adoption journey, you may want to gain an understanding of some Missouri adoption laws. Read on, as we break down some of the most discussed laws in the Show-Me State.

1. Safe Haven Laws

Every state – including Missouri – has safe haven laws. These are also referred to as “Baby Moses” laws. These protective laws are made to give anyone who is pregnant or has a newborn the chance to relinquish a child safely and legally. These laws are designed to help prevent dangerous abandonment. A parent can leave a new born baby at a hospital, fire station, police station or another designated agency without question or prosecution.

While safe haven laws are a much better alternative to abandoning your child, a caring adoption agency like Adoptions With Love can offer you the help you need. We have been working with expectant/birth mothers in Missouri since 1986 and can find a loving home for your child.

2. Can a Birth Mother Get Paid for Her Adoption in Missouri?

While you cannot receive monetary compensation for your child’s adoption, you will never have to pay anything for your adoption, and you can receive financial assistance. Remember: You are not selling your baby. Your child’s adoption is priceless, but there are some monetary factors that arise when facing an unplanned pregnancy. According to Missouri adoption laws, adoptive parents can help cover these pregnancy and childbirth related expenses. Adoptions With Love understands the financial strain and stress that this situation can cause an expectant/birth mother in Missouri. We offer the following financial assistance for those who choose to place their child for adoption:

• We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, like utilities, food, transportation, and maternity clothes, if needed.
• Medical coverage. We can reimburse you for any uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth once the adoption is complete.
• Legal assistance, with experienced attorneys who specialize in Missouri adoption.
• Comprehensive counseling, before and after adoption.
• Adoption planning services to help you find the perfect adoption plan for you and your baby.

3. When Can a Birth Mother Consent to Adoption in Missouri?

A birth mother can sign consent to adoption forms – terminating her parental rights – as early as 48 hours after the baby’s birth. This gives you some time to meet your baby and consider your decision before making it final. While you can sign the paperwork after 48 hours have passed, you can take as much time as you need. It is never too late to make an adoption plan in Missouri.

4. Can I Change My Mind About Adoption?

You can change your mind at any point during the adoption planning stage. If you have been working with an adoption professional but you feel that adoption is not the right path for you, then you can change your mind. At Adoptions With Love, you are never obligated to carry through with an adoption if you do not feel okay with the decision. You will never be pressured to sign consent forms.

Under Missouri adoption laws, you may still be able to withdraw your consent after signing. You have until the court has approved your consent to adoption, which must happen within three business days. This is why Adoptions With Love urges expectant/birth mothers to take all the time they need before making their decision.

5. What About the Birth Father’s Rights in Missouri?

Birth father rights are complicated and are typically handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact your adoption professional for more guidance regarding your situation.

6. When Can a Birth Father Consent to Adoption?

Adoption laws in Missouri state that birth fathers may sign consent forms any time after the baby is born.

7. How About a Putative Father Registry?

Missouri has a putative father registry. This is a record of the names and addresses of males who believe they are the birth fathers of children born to a woman to whom they are not married. A Missouri man may put his name on the putative father registry before his paternity status is determined. Doing so allows him to be contacted to either give or deny consent to the child’s adoption. His denial does not automatically mean that the adoption will not continue. Speak with your adoption attorney for more information regarding the putative father registry.

8. Do I Have a Right to Financial Assistance?

Yes. According to Missouri adoption laws, your pregnancy-related expenses are eligible for financial aid. This covers:

• Food
• Medical bills
• Rent
• Transportation
• Utilities

As mentioned earlier in this guide, Adoptions With Love will cover these expenses and more to help alleviate the stress that can come with an unplanned pregnancy.

9. What About the Right to Legal Support?

You have the right to legal representation. This ensures you will have a safe and legal adoption. Your adoption should never be handled on a third-party site like Facebook or Craigslist. With Adoptions With Love, your adoption attorneys will come to you and ensure that your rights are protected.

10. Advertising for Adoption in Missouri

There are 33 states that have strict adoption advertising laws. This means that news outlets, social media posts, and other public outlets cannot be used to advertise or solicit adoption. Missouri adoption laws do not address this issue.

Adoption should always happen with the assistance of an adoption professional. A full-service private adoption agency like Adoptions With Love will prioritize your needs and the needs of your child. You will be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.

Learn more about Missouri adoption laws by contacting Adoptions With Love today. We can help you with every step of your Missouri adoption and answer any questions you may have along the way. Call us 24/7 at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.