Consent not Required: Missouri’s Adoption Laws for Incapacitated Adults. DeBrodie v. Martin

This Note discusses Missouri’s adoption statutes, specifically adult adoptions and adoptions of mentally incapacitated adults, then explains the best interests of the child determination that courts perform when granting (or denying) a petition for adoption. Part II gives a brief background of the facts and circumstances surrounding DeBrodie v. Martin. Part III discusses the history of Missouri’s adoption statutes, focusing on adult adoptions, and explains the best interests of the child analysis in custody proceedings. Part IV delves into the initial Missouri Court of Appeals’ decision. Finally, Part V comments on the outcome upon remand and re-appeal of the case, and why both the circuit court and appellate court ultimately reached the incorrect decision and deprived DeBrodie of the chance to be a member of a loving, adopted family