Beginning in January of 2018, the Missouri Adoptee Rights Act allows adopted persons over the age of 18 to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.  A simple application is all that is required.  The original birth certificate will contain the name of the adoptee’s […]

Here is a general procedural overview of a typical step-parent adoption case in Missouri. The example will assume that a step-father is adopting his wife’s biological child. The biological mother and adoptive step-father will be referred to as the “Clients”. 1. Clients meet with attorney to discuss goals, procedure, fees, and gather information. 2. The […]

Finalize an adoption in 2014? Be sure to claim the adoption tax credit. Adoptive parents can claim up to $13,190 in tax credit per child. If the child is deemed to “have special needs” (having been in foster care may qualify*), no actual adoption expense need be shown to claim the full $13,190 credit. Otherwise […]