Application to Indian tribes
If a child custody case involves a Native American child covered by a federal law called the Indian Child Welfare Act, Missouri's custody laws do not apply to that case. Missouri courts treat Native American tribes the same as they would treat another U.S. state when dealing with custody rules. If a tribe makes a custody decision following rules similar to Missouri's custody laws, Missouri courts will honor and enforce that decision.
452.715. to Indian tribes. — 1. A that pertains to an Indian child, as defined in the , 25 U.S.C. Section 1901, et seq., is not subject to sections 452.700 to 452.930 to the extent that it is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act.
2. A court of this state shall treat a tribe as a state of the United States for purposes of sections 452.700 to 452.930.
3. A made by a tribe under factual circumstances in with the of sections 452.700 to 452.930 shall be and enforced under the of sections 452.850 to 452.915.
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Source & history notes
(L. 2009 H.B. 481)
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