[Kara J]

Just wondering if anyone may be able to help me out with the laws and requirements of this state... My husband and I are talking with a wonderful potential birth mother in the St.Louis area due in March with twins. We were hoping to do an independant/ private adoption, but not sure we can???? Do we have to work with an agency or is an attorney sufficient enough? ANY help will be GREATLY appreciated along with ICPC info or godd/ bad experiences. If you don't feel comfortable listing your thoughts publicly, feel free to send me a private message or an e-mail.... Thanks so much in advance! ... Kara

P.S. The birthfather is out of the country... how will that work?

[lucyjoy]

I've never done infant adoption, so hopefully someone can give you more help. What I do know about MO is that they are very strict about fathers rights being terminated. MO's end of the ICPC is normally handled easily and quickly, but both states require the paper work and some states are slower and more complicated then others. MO requires 2 hearings-one for temporary custody and a second for the adoption.(6months apart usually). I also believe they do put infants in temp foster homes until mom signs off. While I think she gets 10 days, I also think she can reclaim for up to the six months but not positive on that part. Your attorney would know that. Good luck. Hope everything works out well. Since you are adopting from MO, the laws from your state may allow quicker completion. For ICPC, though, likely they will require termination on father's rights before approving.

[ucme4dk]

I do not know about Mo laws but I wanted to say best of luck on the potential match! Twins sounds soooooo exciting! Keep us updated.
Best Wishes,

[katmom2]

We live and adopted a newborn in Missouri 7 years ago. The laws have changed some since then. When my dd was born she did go into private foster care for 12 days until parental rights were terminated. I think the laws have changed so you will have to check with your attorney. My friend adopted a newborn from St. Louis 4 years ago and brought the baby home right from the hospital. Finalizing takes 6 months. I'm not sure about ICPC in our state since we adopted from our state. Yes, you can adopt privately and use an attorney. I'm not sure how they will handle terminating birthfather rights since he is out of the country that is something your attorney can help you with. If you have anymore question I will try to answer them. Good Luck!

[hpoefull2003]

I just wanted to say I am really excited for you and hope everything works out well. We adopted b/g twins they are now 21 months and just wonderful. Feel free to pm if you have any questions on twins. I don't know anything about missouri laws.

[79nic]

Hi, good luck, and welcome.

I'd be pretty surprised if the revocation period is six months, but let me go look that up....

[79nic]

OK, here it is... For Missouri:

WHEN CONSENT CAN BE EXECUTED: § 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: § 453.030
• Consent must be acknowledged before a notary public, or have consenting person'ssignature witnessed by 2 adults.

REVOCATION OF CONSENT: § 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.

[Kara J]

THANKS!!! I truly appreciate everyone's help.... Kara

[Missourimomtobe]

Hi!

We are in the Kansas City area and recently consulted an attorney and independent social worker there. There is a 48 hour revocation period, then a six month wait until the adoption is final. Missouri has a putative father registry but don't leave that door open - get legal advice and get that loophole closed if you go through with this. (and if you don't, let me know!!!! I'd LOVE to meet a MO birthmom expecting twins!!)

Sleepydreams has adopted twice in Missouri if you want to talk to someone who has gone through the process from two different methods. Don't hesitate to PM me if you want to chat more.

Namaste,