Missouri § 211.455 - Procedure after filing of petition — determination of service — extension of time for service, when — investigation.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 211.455 — Procedure after filing of petition — determination of service — extension of time for service, when — investigation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 211.455. Procedure after filing of petition — determination of service — extension of time for service, when — investigation.
1. Within thirty days after the filing of the petition, the juvenile officer shall meet with the court in order to determine that all parties have been served with summons and to request that the court order the investigation and social study.
2. If, at that time, all parties required to be served with summons have not been served, the court, in its discretion, may extend the time for service if the court finds that service may be forthcoming and that the best interests of the child would be served thereby.
3. The court shall order an investigation and social study except in cases filed under section 211.444. The investigation and social study shall be made by the juvenile officer, the state children's division or a public or private agency authorized or licensed to care for children or any other competent person, as directed by the court, and a written report shall be made to the court to aid the court in determining whether the termination is in the best interests of the child. It shall include such matters as the parental background, the fitness and capacity of the parent to discharge parental responsibilities, the child's home, present adjustment, physical, emotional and mental condition, and such other facts as are pertinent to the determination. Parties and attorneys or guardians ad litem or volunteer advocates representing them before the court shall have access to the written report. All ordered evaluations and reports shall be made available to the parties and attorneys or guardians ad litem or volunteer advocates representing them before the court at least fifteen days prior to any dispositional hearing.
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(L. 1985 H.B. 366, et al., A.L. 2014 H.B. 1299 Revision)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2014 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 211.455
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 211.455 cover?
Section 211.455 ("Procedure after filing of petition — determination of service — extension of time for service, when — investigation.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 211.455?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 211.455" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 211.455 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.