In Missouri, do the birth parents have any rights/chance of reclaiming the child after the adoption has been finalized? Can they even take us to court to attempt it?

In Missouri, do the birth parents have any rights/chance of reclaiming the child after the adoption has been finalized? Can they even take us to court to attempt it?

How long ago was the adotion finalized?

Did the birth parents make an attempt to contest the adoption?

Did the birth parents appear at the termination of parental rights hearing?

Adoption was finalized 3 weeks ago. It was a private, open adoption. A physician who is a family friend informed us of a young girl who was willing to give up her child for adoption. So, we met her for the first time at the hospital the day the child was born. He's been with us ever since. She signed termination papers from day 1. She did not list a father on the birth certificate, but did name one (although no blood test was ever done). He is in prison, but contested. However, he eventually signed a termination of rights after we agreed to send his sister a photo of the child once a year (although this is not enforceable). We paid for our attorney, his attorney, the mother's attorney, and the child's attorney, all of whom were present at finalization. The birth parents have never been present - only represented by their attorney.

To tell you the truth, I was really expecting only 1 response to my question -- that the birth parents have absolutely no rights to dissolve (or attempt to dissolve) the adoption after it has been finalized, and that we now have rights as if the child were born to us. Not so?

We're getting ready to send the first photo, which has prompted my post here. We're paranoid about him seeing the child's photo and wanting him back.

Revocation of Consent
Citation: § 453.030


Consent may be withdrawn at any time until it is reviewed and accepted by the judge.
Case law states that consent is irrevocable absent fraud, duress, or coercion.


By the time the "finalization" occurs, the judge would have already reviewed and accepted the consent by the biological parents. Check with your attorney but I think you are in the clear.

Congratulations!!!!