Adoption

Forms Needed:

GF-300 — Petition for Adult Adoption

GF-301 — Order for Hearing - Adult Adoption

GF-302 — Consent to Adult Adoption

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Before the hearing:

Complete the above forms and call 920-386-3550 for an appointment. A copy of all needed forms is available for $5 through the Register in Probate's Office.

If the petition complies with §882, Wis. Stats., a hearing on the petition will be scheduled before a judge.

The Petitioner and adult to be adopted must be present in court to testify at the hearing.

Petition for Adult Adoption (one original signed and notarized) Must be filed in the County where the Petitioner resides. (no filing fee is required)

If a name change is requested, you must also file civil action for publication and hearing at the same time.

If you do not understand the forms needed or your duties as the petitioner (adopter), please consult an attorney.

Please note: GF-302 must be completed by both the adoptee and the adopter separately.

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After the hearing:

The court will generate form GF-303 — Order on Petition for Adult Adoption and Report of Adoption (statistical form required by State Vital Records for birth records).

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Costs:

$20.00 filing fee to State Vital Records. Certified copy $20.00, additional copy $3.00. Must be a check or money order.

$4.00 for certified copy of Order for Adoption

Forms Needed:

JC-1645 — Petition for Minor Child Adoption

JC-1643 — Order for Hearing and Screening

JC-1646 — Consent to Adoption

JC-1647 — Order on Petition for Minor Child Adoption

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Before the hearing:

Complete the above forms and call 920-386-3550 for an appointment. A copy of all needed forms is available for $5 through the Register in Probate's Office.

An adoption home study must be completed by Family Court Services. Fee is listed below, and a report from the agency completing the study with recommendation must be submitted to the court.

Complete forms JC-1645, JC-1643, a court-appointed home study and applicable home study fees.

If you are also filing a companion termination of parental rights case please review that section for all applicable processes and paperwork.

If you do not understand the forms or your duties as the petitioner, please seek advice from an Attorney.

Please Note: Child Over 14 years of Age must attend the hearing.

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Costs:

Adoption Home Study fee — $300 (due at the time of filing the petition). (if there is more than one child it is an additional $50 for each additional child)

$4.00 for certified copy of Order for Adoption (order signed by the judge at the hearing) payable to the Clerk of Circuit Courts

Forms Needed (as applicable):

JC-1630 — Petition for Termination of Parental Rights

GF-150 — Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit

JC-1633 — Summons - Termination of Parental Rights

JD-1798A — Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem or Attorney

JC-1636 — Consent to Termination of Parental Rights (Affidavit)

JC-1634 — Consent to Use Mother’s Name for Publication

JD-1825 —  Declaration of Service

JC-1638 — Proposed Order Concerning Termination of Parental Rights (Voluntary

JC-1639 — Proposed Order Concerning Termination of Parental Rights (Involuntary)

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Before the hearing:

Complete all applicable forms and call 920-386-3550 for an appointment. A copy of all needed forms is available for $5 through the Register in Probate's Office.

Please note:

• Form JD-1798A will be generated by the court.
• Form JC-1633 will be generated by the court for pro se filers.
• The person terminating their Parental Rights must sign before a notary and two witnesses that are not interested parties must also sign.

The following items must be completed prior to the hearing:

• Form JD-1825 — Declaration of Service indicating that you served the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit, Consent to Termination of Parental Rights and Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem (if applicable).
• Proof of publication in a newspaper
• JC-1638 or JC-1639 — Proposed Order Concerning Termination of Parental Rights (Voluntary or Involuntary)

Petitioner is responsible for personal service – All documents must be served at least 10 days prior to hearing. Publication (constructive notice) - Pursuant to §48.42(4)(b) Wis. Stats. A Notice under this section shall be published as a Class 1 notice at least 7 days prior to the hearing.

Review §48.42 Wis. Stats. to acquire proper notice. For confidentiality purposes, use only the child’s initials in the publication notice. Under §48.422 Wis. Stats., the TPR hearing shall be held within 30 days of the filing of the petition.

Petitioner must serve the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit, Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem and Consent to Termination (if applicable) on the parent(s) to be terminated, and file the proof of service or proof of attempted service and proof of publication to the Court no later than 48 hours prior to the hearing. Notice of the TPR hearing must be given to the child if 12 years of age or older by service of a the Petition.

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Information on the Guardian Ad Litem:

A Guardian ad Litem is required by Wisconsin Statutes to be appointed for a child who is the subject of a Termination of Parental Rights proceeding. The GAL is to investigate and report on the best interests of the child.

Only one Guardian ad Litem will be appointed for more than one child of the same family who are the subject of the same termination proceedings if they have the same parents.

A Guardian ad Litem will also be appointed for any parent whose rights are being terminated and is a minor or incompetent.

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Costs:

$250 deposit for Guardian ad Litem fees (there is an additional cost of $50 each for each additional child)

Copy Fees - $1 per page and $3 for the certification.