MO SB652

Beginning January 1, 2011, parents may request a jury trial in termination of parental rights proceedings by written demand filed no later than 45 days after service of the summons, with failure to request constituting a waiver of jury trial rights.

Jury findings in termination cases shall have the same legal effect as in other civil proceedings, with evidence relevance determinations made on the same basis as any other civil case.

The Missouri Supreme Court must develop appropriate jury instructions for termination cases heard by a jury by November 1, 2010, including at least one instruction directing the jury to find whether termination will be in the child's best interests.

Court may take steps in jury proceedings to preserve the privacy of both the child and parent as it finds consistent with the rights of all parties, at the request of any party.

Petition to terminate parental rights must be filed within 60 days of judicial determinations establishing grounds for termination, though failure to meet this deadline does not deprive the court of jurisdiction.