Definitions.
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.442
in effect211.442. Definitions. — As used in sections 211.442 to 211.487 , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms mean:
(1) "Child" , an individual under eighteen years of age;
(2) "Minor" , any person who has not attained the age of eighteen years;
(3) "Parent" , a biological parent or parents of a child, as well as, the husband of a natural mother at the time the child was conceived, or a parent or parents of a child by adoption, including both the mother and the putative father of a child. The putative father of a child shall have no legal relationship unless he, prior to the entry of a decree under sections 211.442 to 211.487 , has acknowledged the child as his own by affirmatively asserting his paternity.
(L. 1978 H.B. 972 § 1, A.L. 1982 H.B. 1171, et al., A.L. 1985 H.B. 366, et al.)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=211.442Fetched: 10/17/2026