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MO HB1393
Bill
Status
1/14/2014
Primary Sponsor
Brandon Ellington
Click for details
AI Summary
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Changes the timeframe for a man to file a paternity action from 15 days to 60 days after a child's birth to establish rights in adoption proceedings.
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Extends the deadline for filing a notice of intent to claim paternity or acknowledgment of paternity with the putative father registry from 15 days to 60 days after the child's birth.
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Requires the guardian ad litem to ascertain the wishes and feelings of children under 14 years old regarding adoption through interviews appropriate to the child's age and maturity level.
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Establishes that birth parents have the right to legal representation and reasonable legal fees throughout the adoption process, with courts able to appoint attorneys if financial hardship is demonstrated.
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Requires courts to order prospective adoptive parents or child-placing agencies to pay attorney fees for birth parent representation, except where adoptive parents are unable to pay and pro bono counsel is appointed.
Legislative Description
Increases, from 15 days to 60 days, the time after a child's birth that the father has to file an action to establish paternity prior to an adoption or to file a notice with the Putative Father Registry
Last Action
Motion to Do Pass Failed (H)
2/18/2014