How does relative adoption work?

In Wisconsin the term “relative” is broadly defined by the Wisconsin’s Children’s Code:

a parent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, first cousin, 2nd cousin, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, step-uncle, step-aunt, or any person of a preceding generation as denoted by the prefix of grand, great, or great-great, whether by blood, marriage, or legal adoption, or the spouse of any person named in this subsection, even if the marriage is terminated by death or divorce. Wis. Stat. § 48.02(15).

Adoptions of Wisconsin can provide the necessary court report and screening needed for a relative adoption. The screening includes:

  • Gathering information about you, your background, employment and financial history, work history and health status

  • Conducting background checks

  • Meeting with an AOW social worker a minimum of two times.

All information gathered is summarized in a report that is sent to the court as part of the termination of parental rights and adoption finalization hearings.