Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent
When a parent is being deployed (sent away for military service), a court can give some parenting responsibilities to a trusted adult — like a family member or someone close to the child — if it is good for the child. The time that adult spends with the child cannot be more than the time the deploying parent normally had, unless the other parent agrees. A court can also let that trusted adult make certain decisions for the child — like about school, religion, health care, or activities — if the deploying parent cannot make those decisions while away.
452.1234. of caretaking or to . — 1. On of a and in accordance with law of this state other than sections 452.1200 to 452.1258, if it is in the , a court may grant to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child or an adult with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship.
2. Unless a grant of caretaking authority to a nonparent under 1 of this section is agreed to by the other parent, the grant is limited to an amount of time not greater than:
(1) The amount of time granted to the deploying parent under a , but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child; or
(2) In the absence of a permanent custody order that is currently in effect, the amount of time that the deploying parent cared for the child before being notified of , but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child.
3. A court may grant part of a deploying parent's decision-making authority, if the deploying parent is unable to exercise that , to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child or an adult with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship. If a court the authority to a nonparent, the court shall specify the decision-making powers granted, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel.
Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.
Red section numbers link to that law.
Source & history notes
(L. 2024 S.B. 912)
Related Missouri laws
Effect of prior judicial order or agreement
RSMo 452.1232
Grant of limited contact
RSMo 452.1236
Testimony by electronic means
RSMo 452.1230
Nature of authority created by temporary custody order
RSMo 452.1238
Expedited hearing
RSMo 452.1228
Content of temporary custody order
RSMo 452.1240
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.