Wisconsin Adoption Laws

Adoption Laws in Wisconsin

Access to Adoption Records

• Non-Identifying Information : To obtain non identifying information, a person must complete 18 years of age or over.

• Confidential Intermediary : An adopting person must be completed 21 years of age or older, to receive the information on birth parents, but a consent is must.

• Contact :
  Adoption Records Search Program
  PO Box 8916
  Madison, WI 53708-8916
  (608) 266-7163
  Birth Certificate (Original): To obtain certificate, an adopted adult must be of twenty one years of age or older and consent filed by birth parents is also required.

Consents

• Consent to an adoption shall be done by:
  Statute: - §- § 48.41; 48.42
  • A parent.
  • An agency or other legal person.

• Age Requirement for consideration of Adoptee Consent :
  Statute: - § 48.837
  An individual of twelve years of age or older must attend the hearing concerning to his/her adoptive placement.

• When Consent is not required :
  Statute: - § 48.415
  • On termination of parental rights because of failure of the responsibilities of parents assumed.
  • If parent has abused or abandoned the child.
  • On relinquishment of custody of the child (if seventy two hours old or younger) by parents.
  • On failure of responsibilities assumed for child.

• Parental Consent can be executed :
  Statute: - § 48.837
  • A hearing do not held before the child birth. At least 30 days period is required for hearing process of the filing of petition for parental rights termination.
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