MO SB943

Redefines "parent" in adoption law to include biological parents, presumed fathers, acknowledged fathers, adjudicated parents, adoptive parents, and putative fathers who establish a relationship with the child and file a parentage action within fifteen days of birth.

Allows putative fathers to preserve rights to intervene in adoption or termination proceedings if they develop a consistent and substantial relationship with the child, including providing prenatal financial support, medical care, child support payments, and visitation.

Permits prospective adoptive parents and birth parents to enter into written post-adoption contact agreements before finalization, requiring court approval and acknowledgment that adoption is irrevocable even if contact terms are violated.

Allows out-of-state adoptive petitioners to appear by attorney and video conference rather than in person, provided the child also appears by video conference or in person.

Permits custody transfer for adoption without prior court petition if filed within twenty days of proper power of attorney execution or Interstate Compact approval, whichever is later.