Adoption is one of the most joyful legal proceedings a family can go through — and one of the most document-intensive. Thompson & Walker has guided hundreds of Missouri families through the adoption process, handling the legal complexity so you can focus on welcoming your new family member.
Step-Parent Adoption: The most common type — a step-parent adopts their spouse's child from a previous relationship. Typically requires consent of the non-custodial biological parent or termination of their parental rights for abandonment or failure to support.
Agency Adoption: A licensed Missouri adoption agency facilitates the placement. The agency screens both birth parents and adoptive families and handles placement logistics.
Private/Independent Adoption: The birth parents and adoptive parents arrange the adoption directly (with attorney assistance), without a licensed agency serving as intermediary.
Relative/Kinship Adoption: A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative adopts a child — often arising from a parent's death, incapacity, or parental rights termination.
Missouri adoptions generally involve: consent or termination of biological parents' rights; a background study of the adoptive family; a supervisory period; and a finalization hearing. Thompson & Walker handles all filing, documentation, and court appearances — minimizing delays and ensuring everything is done right the first time.
Adopting a child from another state requires compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). Our attorneys coordinate the multi-state approval process, preventing costly delays.
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