211.452. Petition for termination, when filed--contents--joinder of cases of more than one child. - Missouri Statutes

Petition for termination, when filed--contents--joinder of casesof more than one child.

211.452. 1. The petition for termination of parental rightsshall be filed in the juvenile court which has prior jurisdictionover the child or, if no such prior jurisdiction exists, then thepetition shall be filed where the child is, and shall include:

(1) The name, sex, date and place of birth, and residence ofthe child, if known after due and diligent search;

(2) If known after due and diligent search, the name,address and the date of birth of the parent;

(3) The name and address of the person holding legal oractual custody of the child, the guardian of the person of thechild and the organization or agency holding legal or actualcustody or providing care for the child;

(4) The facts on which termination is sought and the groundor grounds authorizing termination pursuant to section 211.447.

2. If there is more than one child in the family and atermination of parental rights petition is being or has beenprepared for each child, the court may join the cases fordisposition in one proceeding; provided, however, that joinder ofthe cases is found to be in the best interests of each child.

(L. 1978 H.B. 972 § 3, A.L. 1985 H.B. 366, et al.)