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Wisconsin Adoption Questions & Answers
Q: How to inform biological father about step-parent adoption and immigration plans?
Given that I was never married to my daughter's biological father and he has not supported or been involved in her life for several years, should I inform him directly about our U.S. immigration plans and my intention for my U.S. citizen husband to adopt my daughter through a stepparent... View More 
Stephen Arnold Black
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answered on May 16, 2025
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answered on May 16, 2025
A biological father has a constitutional right to see his child, and that right can only be revoked through due process in an adoption proceeding, allowing him the opportunity to challenge it if he chooses. Therefore, he must be given notice of any action affecting his parental rights. For specific... View More
Q: What forms are needed to file a legal malpractice claim in Wisconsin?
I need to file a legal malpractice claim in Wisconsin against a dual-licensed MN/WI family law attorney. The attorney frequently changed positions, had issues with breach of confidentiality, and improperly filed motions and orders. A significant breach was when she knowingly sent my contact... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2025
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answered on Oct 15, 2025
To commence a Wisconsin legal malpractice action, you file a Summons and Complaint in the appropriate circuit court, register on eFiling, pay the filing fee (or submit a Petition and Affidavit for Waiver of Fees and Costs), and then personally serve the attorney under Wisconsin service rules. Venue... View More
Q: Can I adopt a friend's child, absent father, unfit mother, no legal ties?
I am a close family friend and have been involved in the life of a 3-year-old child since before birth. I am concerned about the mother's fitness as a parent, as her older son has reportedly experienced physical, mental, and emotional abuse. The toddler has also been seriously hurt several... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 5, 2025
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answered on Sep 5, 2025
The first step is to contact your local child protective services or equivalent agency to report any concerns about the child’s safety. If the child has been seriously hurt or is at risk of abuse, an investigation can be initiated, which could lead to temporary protective custody or supervision.... View More
Q: What are the steps for a parent to adopt an adult daughter in Wisconsin?
My daughter is 47 years old, and I previously allowed her step-dad to adopt her. However, since my daughter's step-dad passed away several years ago, my married daughter and I have reunited and now wish for me to adopt her. There have been no prior legal discussions or consultations. What... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025
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answered on Jul 19, 2025
In Wisconsin, adult adoption is legal and usually more straightforward than adopting a minor. Since your daughter is 47 and fully capable of consenting, the court process focuses on mutual agreement rather than parental rights or guardianship. The good news is that no home studies or termination of... View More
Q: Pregnant help
My 16 old
Son at this time and his 17 yr old gf pregnant when baby born she will be 18 he will be 17 lives in two differ
States him wisconsin her Minnesota if she places the baby for adoption does he have right to keep him or are his rights nothing
Jane E. Probst
answered on Dec 4, 2022
answered on Dec 4, 2022
This would be subject to the law of Minnesota if the child reisdes in that state once born. To place the child for adoption, the Court would need to terminate the parental rights of both parents. The biological father should file a paternity action once the child is born and request that he have... View More
Q: How does a father sign over his rights?
My ex hasn't physically seen our son in over 2 years, and is nearing the 6 months mark of not even talking to him. He called me the other day and said that he would sign away his rights so that my current fiance could adopt our son.
I have no idea what paperwork needs to be filled... View More
Jane E. Probst
answered on Dec 22, 2021
answered on Dec 22, 2021
It is not a matter of simply signing over one's rights. You and your fiance will need to first be married prior to his ability to adopt. Then, there would be a need for both of you to cooperate with a custody study with an adoption agency. Once that is completed, you would need to file a... View More
Q: I have questions about filling out Form N-600 for my 23 year old daughter who is adopted. Should I consult a lawyer?
Matthew J Hartnett
answered on Sep 29, 2016
answered on Sep 29, 2016
Yes, because you only get one crack at the N-600... meaning if you file it and it gets denied, you won't be able to re-file. Consider working with an immigration attorney to properly prepare the n-600. Another option is to first file to obtain a US passport for your daughter (assuming you... View More
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