Can I adopt my stepchild if I work out of state but live in Wisconsin?

Yes. Working out of state does not affect your eligibility for stepparent adoption in Wisconsin. What matters is where you live — your primary residence — not where you work.

Residency requirement:

• Wisconsin requires 6 months of residency (Wis. Stat. § 48.82)
• Residency is based on your home address — where you sleep, where your family lives
• Commuting across state lines for work does not change your residency
• Even extensive travel for work does not affect residency if your home is in Wisconsin

What the court looks at:

• Where is your primary home?
• Where does the child live?
• Where do you file taxes as a resident?
• Where is your driver's license issued?

Remote workers and frequent travelers:

• If you work remotely from your Wisconsin home, residency is clear
• If you travel for work but maintain your home in Wisconsin, residency is clear
• If you live in another state and commute TO Wisconsin for work, you are NOT a Wisconsin resident

The adoption is filed where the child lives. If you and the child live in Wisconsin, file in Wisconsin Circuit Court.

Cost: $349 | Timeline: 3-6 months

Start at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire or call (855) 924-0450.