Greene County Logo Abuse and Neglect Unit
FAQ


Can I file an adoption without an attorney? Can I file an adoption without an attorney?

Adoption actions can be extremely complex and require a thorough understanding of a highly specialized area of law. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that petitioners for adoption seek the assistance of an attorney in filing adoption matters. The lawyer should be knowledgeable in Missouri adoption laws. Additionally, there are not forms or advice that can be provided by our office to assist in filing a pro se adoption petition.

Can I file one petition for adoption with more than 1 child. Can I file one petition for adoption with more than 1 child.

Yes, if they're are siblings and have a parent in common.

Does the child/adoptee need to be present for the adoption hearing? Does the child/adoptee need to be present for the adoption hearing?

Yes, unless there are unusual circumstances and you have gotten prior approval for the child/adoptee to not attend.

How do I get a copy of my adoption order? How do I get a copy of my adoption order?

You must fill out the form and submit a form of identity verification:

LINK

Copies can be released to the petitioner upon Judge’s order. You must provide documentation of your identify for this to be released as well as pay for the certified copy. Please allow 1-2 weeks for your request to be processed.

How do I get a hearing date? How do I get a hearing date?

Once the file is complete, the Adoption Specialist will contact the petitioners’ attorney with at least 3 available hearing dates. The petitioners’ attorney is responsible for checking with the parties for availability and letting the Adoption Specialist know which date will work for all parties. The petitioners’ attorney is then responsible for sending notice of hearing.

How do I get someone served? How do I get someone served?

Greene County charges $35 for service. The petitioner is responsible for getting the service providers information (address, fees), provide a check for the amount needed payable to the service provider.

How much is a certified copy of my adoption order? How much is a certified copy of my adoption order?

$.10 per page

$1.50 per document for certification.

$1.00 per document to mail

How much is the filing fee for an adoption? How much is the filing fee for an adoption?

Filing fee for adult adoption or recognition of foreign adoption petition is $178.50

1 count petition fee: $328.50 for one child

2 count petition fee: $478.50 for one child

What if I need to publish? What if I need to publish?

Publication cost in Greene County is $95. Payment will need to be made then Greene County will pay Daily Events. An affidavit for publication and order for publication must be prepared and filed. The clerk will do the notice.

If you need to publish somewhere other than Greene County, it is your responsibility to locate that service and determine that cost then submit the information to the clerk. Payment will need to be made to the publication source.

What is the process for getting a new birth certificate issued after the adoption is finalized? What is the process for getting a new birth certificate issued after the adoption is finalized?

At the end of each month the Circuit Clerk sends the Certificates of Decree of Adoption forms and a check to the Missouri Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records, who will process and issue the new birth certificate or forward the form to the appropriate state. This process may take up to 3-6 months.

When will a GAL be appointed? When will a GAL be appointed?

A GAL will be appointed after the case is accepted by the Clerk and processed by the Adoption Specialist. A motion to appoint a GAL is not necessary.