We Help Families In Milwaukee Build Their Families Through Adoption
Adoption is one of the more joyful aspects of family law. It helps families grow and is one of the ultimate acts of love. However, just because adoption is such a good thing doesn’t make it easy. As your adoption lawyers, we are here to help you through the red tape.
At Laster & Associates, we are family law attorneys with experience and insight into Wisconsin’s laws to help families. We understand the stress and challenges of trying to work through adoption. We stay with our clients the whole way, helping them through the documentation and pursuing the outcomes they need.
What Are Your Options For Adoption In Wisconsin?
With over 25 years of experience in family law, we have worked with people pursuing adoption through all the available methods. Our clients have pursued:
- Private adoption: Use of a private, third-party adoption service to identify a child in need of a home
- Public adoptions: Working with the state of Wisconsin to help children in need through the foster system and become their forever home
- International adoptions: Helping deal with the complex nature of international law and adoption for families with those resources
- Stepparent adoption: The process of stepchild adoption is somewhat streamlined, but it is not without its own challenges
Regardless of the type of adoption you pursue, there are many similar statutory and legal hurdles to get past; almost all of them include securing the termination of parental rights for the child’s biological parents.
How Long Does The Adoption Process Typically Take In Wisconsin?
The answer depends on the type of adoption you are pursuing. Stepparent adoptions tend to move the fastest, sometimes finishing in just a few months when everyone is in agreement and the paperwork is complete. Private infant adoptions usually take around six months to a year. Foster care adoptions often take the longest because the child must first be legally free for adoption, a step that can take a year or more on its own.
Regardless of the path you choose, the court will review your case, require a home study in most situations and hold a finalization hearing before the adoption becomes official. These steps protect everyone involved, especially the child.
Why Is Termination Of Parental Rights Required Before Adoption?
Termination of parental rights (TPR) is the legal process that permanently ends the legal relationship between a child and their biological parent or parents. This step must happen before an adoption can move forward. The reason is straightforward. A child can only have one set of legal parents at a time. This protects the child, the adoptive family and ensures there is no legal conflict over parentage down the road.
What Are The Requirements For A Stepparent Adoption In Milwaukee County?
A stepparent adoption is the legal process by which a stepparent adopts their spouse’s child. Wisconsin law requires that four key steps be completed before the adoption can be finalized. Here is what those steps look like:
- Termination of parental rights: If the child’s other biological parent is still living and has not had their parental rights terminated, you will need to go through this process before the adoption can move forward.
- Issuance of petition to adopt and order for investigation: This involves filing a formal petition with the court to begin the adoption process. The court will then order a review of the adoption to look into the circumstances surrounding it.
- Stepparent screening: An adoption agency will conduct a screening of the stepparent to help the court determine whether the adoption is in the best interest of the child.
- Court hearing: A judge will hold a hearing to review all the findings and make a final decision on the adoption.
Each of these steps plays an important role in making sure the adoption is handled properly.
Do I Need A Home Study To Adopt A Child In Wisconsin?
In most cases, yes. Wisconsin law requires a home study for most types of adoption, including private adoptions and foster care adoptions. Stepparent adoptions are somewhat different. In those cases, the court orders an investigation, which is a similar but usually less involved process than a full home study.
Becoming A Parent Is Always Hard
Parenting is hard, and so is becoming a parent. Taking the time and investing love in a child to take on the important role of mom or dad is not easy. There are challenges, but they will be worth it.
We are proud to be part of that journey with you. Call us at 414-973-1945 or send an email using this online form.