MO HB1147

Repeal and replace section 453.080, RSMo, relating to adoption proceedings and finalization requirements.

Court must conduct a hearing to determine adoption finalization and verify six-month custody period (waivable for foster parent adoptions of children under court jurisdiction).

Court must review postplacement assessments, investigation reports, financial affidavits, guardian ad litem recommendations, and compliance with custody jurisdiction acts and Indian Child Welfare Act before finalizing adoption.

Missouri Supreme Court must develop standardized adoption checklist form by January 1, 2015, requiring judge signature attesting to submission and review of all required documents and procedures.

Upon adoption completion, further contact between parties and exchange of identifying information between adoptive and birth parents remain at discretion of adoptive parents; court has no jurisdiction to deny such contact or information exchange.