Can I get help with my living expenses during my pregnancy in a Missouri adoption?

In Missouri, expectant mothers are permitted to receive money for medical expenses, legal expenses, expenses incurred obtaining required assessments, counseling expenses, living expenses, and other expenses the court finds reasonable.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 453.075(1) (2020) 

Will I be offered my own Missouri adoption lawyer?

The court may appoint an attorney to represent a birth parent if:

• A birth parent requests representation
• The court finds that hiring an attorney to represent such birth parent would cause a financial hardship for the birth parent; and
• The birth parent is not already represented by counsel.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.462 (2020) 

How does Open Adoption work in Missouri?

A postadoption contact agreement may be executed, but failure to comply with the agreement will not be grounds to set aside the adoption. Birth parents may seek enforcement of the agreement. The court will only approve the agreement if it finds that it is in the best interest of the child and it must be filed before the finalization of the adoption decree.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 453.080(4) (2020) 

Click here for a map showing which states enforce open adoption agreements.

How does the legal process for adoption work in Missouri?

Consent may be given forty-eight hours after the birth of the child and must be executed in front of a judge or notary public.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 453.030 (2020) 

How long will I have to change my mind about adoption in Missouri?

Consent is irrevocable unless it can be shown that consent was not given voluntarily.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 453.030(6) (2020)