Regulation of Private Domestic Adoption Expenses - Missouri

Date: May 2022

Birth Parent Expenses Allowed

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 453.075(1)

Payment of the following expenses is permitted:

  • Hospital, medical, or physician expenses incurred by the mother or the child
  • Counseling services for the parent or child for a reasonable time before and after the placement for adoption
  • Expenses incurred in obtaining a preplacement assessment and an assessment during the proceeding for adoption
  • Reasonable legal expenses, court costs, travel, and other administrative expenses in connection with the adoption
  • Reasonable living expenses, including food, shelter, utilities, transportation, and clothing expenses of the birth parents and child that are within the norms of the community in which the birth mother resides
  • Any other services or items the court finds reasonably necessary

Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 453.075(2)

The court may disallow the following:

  • Payments that the court finds unreasonable
  • Any unlawful payment in connection with the child's placement, as described in § 568.175

Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 568.175

It is unlawful for any organization to engage in child trafficking by soliciting, offering, or giving money for the delivery of a child for adoption.

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 568.175

It is unlawful to give or receive anything of value for the execution of consent to adoption or waiver of consent for future adoption or termination of parental rights.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 453.070(6)

In the case of an investigation and report made by the Children's Division by order of the court, the court may order the payment of a reasonable fee by the petitioner to cover the costs of the investigation and report.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 453.075(1)

The petitioner must file with the court a signed and verified full accounting of all payments made, agreed to be made, or promised in connection with the adoption.

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