Opinion ID: 2284287
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Adoption without Consent Pursuant to Section 453.040(7)

Text: Mother also challenges the trial court's finding that her consent was not necessary to proceed with the adoption of Child under section 453.040(7). Section 453.040 states: The consent to the adoption of a child is not required of:    (7) A parent who has for a period of at least six months, for a child one year of age or older, or at least sixty days, for a child under one year of age, immediately prior to the filing of the petition for adoption, willfully abandoned the child or, for a period of at least six months immediately prior to the filing of the petition for adoption, willfully, substantially and continuously neglected to provide him with necessary care and protection[.] In the Adoptive Parents' petition, they alleged that Mother's consent was not necessary because she abandoned and neglected Child. The petition alleged that [p]ursuant to § 453.040(7) RSMo [2000], the consent of the biological parents is not necessary because the biological mother and father of the child have for a period of at least sixty days immediately prior to the filing of the Petition for Adoption, willfully abandoned child and have willfully, substantially and continuously neglected to provide the child with necessary care and protection. The trial court expressly found that [p]ursuant to § 453.040(7) R.S.M.o., the consent of the biological parents is not necessary because the biological mother ... [has] for a period of at least sixty days immediately prior to the filing of the Petition for Adoption, willfully abandoned the child and have willfully, substantially and continuously neglected to provide the child with necessary care and protection. [20] Accordingly, the trial court's judgment contains express and consistent findings of abandonment. Consent of the natural parents or involuntary termination of parental rights is a prerequisite to adoption under chapter 453. In re J.F.K., 853 S.W.2d at 934. The clear, cogent, and convincing standard of proof applies in chapter 453 termination cases and adoptions. In re Adoption of W.B.L., 681 S.W.2d at 454. Also, under chapter 453 adoptions, the court may hear and determine the issues raised in a petition for adoption containing a prayer for termination of parental rights filed with the same effect as a petition permitted pursuant to subsection 2, 4, or 5 of [section 211.447]. Section 211.447.9. The adoption petition was filed October 5, 2007. [21] As such, the relevant 60-day period began August 5, 2007. To determine abandonment, a court examines a parent's intent by considering all the evidence of the parent's conduct including that before and after the statutory period. In re Adoption of W.B.L., 681 S.W.2d at 455. The greatest weight is given to conduct within the statutory period, and the least weight is given to conduct after the petition for adoption is filed. In re I.D., 12 S.W.3d 375, 377 (Mo.App.2000). As stated above, the record shows that after Mother's arrest, she made no effort to make accommodations for Child's care and custody. Although immediately following Mother's arrest it may have been difficult for her to contact her brother or sister for updates about the Child's well-being, the evidence at trial, as discussed above, shows that Mother made no effort from August 5, 2007, to October 5, 2007, to contact her family or friends. The record contains clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that Mother abandoned Child. Because the petition contains this claim and there is sufficient evidence to support the claim, a remand is the required remedy. The issue of abandonment may be adjudicated on remand. Because the judgment is reversed for failure to comply with statutes mandating investigation and reporting, the entire judgment is reversed as to all findings pertaining to Mother, which includes the trial court's finding of abandonment under section 453.040(7). Butcher, 426 S.W.2d at 357. The cause is ordered remanded for a new trial on all issues pertaining to Mother contained within the petition. On remand, the investigations and reports required pursuant to sections 453.070 and 453.077 must be made prior to such trial.