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Infant and Baby Adoption in Wisconsin

What Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha parents and birth mothers need to know

Infant adoptions typically occur when the birth mother makes arrangements for adoption before birth. But, in Wisconsin, an infant adoption can occur under other circumstances, as well. Wisconsin has a safe haven law, so mothers may opt to give up their baby for adoption within 72 hours of birth without facing legal sanction.

An infant adoption involving the birth mother choosing the parents or the parents choosing the birth mother is known as a private adoption.

Adoptions in which prospective parents adopt a child out of state care or foster care are public adoptions. Typically, infant adoptions in Wisconsin are pre-planned. These plans usually involve the birth mother, the prospective parents, and a Wisconsin adoption attorney.

How long do infant adoptions take?

The typical time frame for baby adoption in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and neighboring communities is six months to two years. This includes the time required for the home study and the brief period after placement in which the birth mother may change her mind. However, the time involved depends on the specifics of your case, including whether you want to negotiate an open or a closed adoption and whether the biological father wants to hinder the adoption process. A good adoption attorney will help you avoid potential pitfalls and speed the process along.

What is a home study? Do I really need one?

In a home study, a licensed social worker visits you and your family in your home to determine whether you and your home are prepared for an adopted child. The information the social worker collects goes into a dossier about your family. This dossier is typically used to help match you or your family to a potential adoptee.

What are the costs involved with a baby adoption in ?

The Wisconsin Adoption Information Center lists the typical cost of a domestic infant adoption at $12,00-$25,000 and a private adoption at $10,000-$30,000 and offers some suggestions as to how to make a baby adoption in affordable for prospective parents in Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha. Domestic adoptions are generally less expensive than international ones. Private adoptions tend to be more expensive public Milwaukee baby adoptions.

Where do I begin the process?

Do your research and choose a local Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha or other Wisconsin adoption agency with a history of successful infant adoptions to work with you to find a birth mother and to conduct the home study. Then consult seasoned Milwaukee adoptions attorneys with a long track record of guiding prospective parents through the Wisconsin infant adoption process. Contact Stephen Hayes and Elizabeth Neary of Grady, Hayes & Neary, LLC for an introductory adoption conference and avail yourself of their decades of experience in adoptions law.

Grady, Hayes & Neary, LLC
N14W23777 Stone Ridge Drive Suite 200
Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone Number:(262) 347-2001