Stepparent Adoption

A Stepparent Adoption is the process wherein a minor child is adopted by his or her stepparent.  No child may be adopted by a stepparent unless the parental rights of his or her natural parent are terminated.

In a stepparent adoption proceeding, the Lincoln County Department of Health and Family Services is ordered to conduct a Stepparent Adoption Screening.  Upon completion of the screening, they prepare a report and make a recommendation to the Court as to the suitability of the petitioner to adopt his or her stepchild.

Below you will find a Stepparent Adoption Guideline to assist you in filing your adoption.  The forms can be found on the Wisconsin Court System website.