Adoption of a Minor

A Petition for Adoption of a minor child should be filed in the county in which the petitioner resides at the time of filing.

An adoption of a minor child, other than a stepparent adoption, requires the involvement of a private adoption agency. 

The adoption agency will need to conduct a home study and file a report and recommendation with the Court prior to the Adoption Hearing.

Most adoption agencies will assist the family in completing all of the necessary paperwork and work through the court process with them.  The adoption forms are located on the Wisconsin Court System website.