Not all families are the same. In some families, the parents are absent and members of a child’s family have to step up to care for them. Something that we see often in the case of absent parents is the grandparents stepping up. In the case that both parents are absent and the grandparents assume parental responsibilities, they can start the process to adopt their grandchild.
Ready to learn about the process? Flesner Wentzel, a family lawyer in St. Charles is here to explain how the grandchild adoption process works in Missouri.
What is Adoption?
Adoption is the process by which the legal transfer of parental rights occurs. The rights are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. In the case of grandparents/grandchild adoption, the right would transfer from the birth parents to the grandparents.
Adoption in Missouri
In Missouri, as long as an individual is over the age of 21, anyone is eligible to apply to become an adoptive parent. To become an adoptive parent, an individual must go through an application, training, and assessment process. Included in this process are items such as background checks, financial discussions, health screenings, and home assessments.
For a grandparent to adopt their grandchild, they must meet the following requirements:
- Child abuse/neglect check: This check, as well as a criminal record check that includes fingerprints, must be done
- Health: Have good physical and mental health
- Income: Have a stable, steady income
- Training and Assessment: Complete the adoptive parent training and assessment process
Your Family Lawyer in St. Charles
Are you ready to start the process of adopting your grandchild? Flesner Wentzel can help. Contact Flesner Wentzel for a FREE consultation with a family law attorney. Call our office at 636-317-5582. Se habla Español
The St. Charles family law divorce lawyers of Flesner Wentzel at 636-317-5582. Se habla Español.
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