The great news is that adopting your stepchild in Missouri is affordable for all families. You no longer need to spend thousands of dollars on attorney fees to complete a stepparent adoption—even if the person you want to adopt is now an adult.
The cost of adopting a stepchild or an adult in Missouri can be simple and budget-friendly with StepparentAdoptionForms.com. Instead of paying high legal fees, you can complete your adoption for just $325 plus court costs, saving your family both time and money.
No Consent? No Problem!
Many of our clients face challenges obtaining the noncustodial parent’s consent, often because the biological father is absent or his whereabouts are unknown. Fortunately, Missouri law allows adoptions to proceed without consent in cases where the other parent has abandoned the child.
Under Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) § 453.040, consent is not required if the noncustodial parent:
- Has failed to support the child for six months or longer, or
- Has not had significant contact with the child for at least six months
At StepparentAdoptionForms.com, we have helped tens of thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Our service provides step-by-step guidance and personalized support until your adoption is finalized by the court.
Breakdown of Adoption Costs in Missouri
StepparentAdoptionForms.com Fee – $325 (One-time payment)
Court Filing Fees – approximately $280.50, depending on the county
Additional Legal Costs – $0 (No attorney required when using our service!)
Possible Additional Fees – If a court requires a home study or background check, costs can vary but are often not required in stepparent adoptions. Filing in the State of Missouri does require that a Guardian ad Litem be appointed. There are a few states that have this requirement, and Missouri is one of them. You should budget several hundred for the cost of the Guardian ad Litem.
How Our Service Makes Adoption Simple
Our proven do-it-yourself adoption system eliminates the hassle and high costs of hiring a lawyer. For $325, you receive:
All required legal documents tailored to Missouri adoption laws
Clear filing instructions to guide you through the court process
Personalized support from our adoption specialists until your case is finalized
Lifetime access to updates or assistance throughout your adoption journey
We make the process simple, fast, and stress-free, ensuring that you never feel alone at any step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adopting a Stepchild in Missouri
The stepparent adoption process in Missouri follows clear legal steps under Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) Chapter 453:
Step 1: File the Adoption Petition
- The stepparent files the adoption petition in the Circuit Court of their county.
- Your adoption paperwork will include:
- The petition for adoption
- All necessary court-required documents, including consents (if available), final orders, and forms for the new birth certificate
- Instructions for background checks, if required
- Any other documents needed for court approval
Step 2: Proceed Without Consent if the Other Parent is Absent
- Consent is NOT required if the court determines that the parent has abandoned the child, as outlined in RSMo § 453.040.
- If the noncustodial parent has had no contact or financial support for at least six months, the court can terminate their parental rights, allowing the adoption to proceed.
Step 3: Court Reviews the Case
- A judge reviews all submitted documents and determines if the adoption is in the child’s best interest.
- In uncontested cases, a court hearing may not even be required, which fast-tracks the process.
Step 4: Finalization of the Adoption
- The judge approves the adoption and issues a final decree.
- The child’s birth certificate is updated, listing the stepparent as a legal parent and reflecting any name change requested during the adoption process.
With our help, most families complete their adoption smoothly and without legal complications.
Why Choose StepparentAdoptionForms.com?
For about 25 years, we have helped over twenty-thousand families successfully complete the adoption of their step child or stepchildren. Unlike other services, we stay with you every step of the way, offering expert support until your adoption is finalized by the court.
Start your Missouri stepparent adoption today for just $325 at StepparentAdoptionForms.com. Take the next step toward making your family complete!
Final Thoughts
Adopting a stepchild in Missouri doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By using StepparentAdoptionForms.com, you can eliminate attorney fees, navigate the process smoothly, and finalize your adoption quickly—all for just $325 plus court costs.
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