Can I attend the adoption hearing virtually in Wisconsin?

Whether you can attend your Wisconsin adoption hearing virtually is up to the Circuit Court handling your case, so ask the clerk of court in your county before you plan around it. Wisconsin has 72 counties, and each Circuit Court sets up its own courtroom. Whether a judge allows a video or phone appearance is something the clerk or the judge's office can confirm for your case.

What to ask the clerk:

• Does the judge allow remote appearances for adoption hearings?
• If so, is a written request or motion needed, and when is it due?
• Which method does the court use (video or phone), and who sets it up?
• Can both you and your spouse appear remotely, or only one of you?
• What does the court expect from a child who is attending?

Who is expected at the hearing: Wisconsin does not require the child's consent. A child 14 or older attends the hearing unless the court orders otherwise. If your family is planning around a teenager's schedule or location, raise it with the clerk early, because the judge decides whether a child's attendance can be handled differently.

If you are considering an adult adoption: Adult adoptions in Wisconsin fall under a separate chapter. The hearing is required, and the petitioner and the adult being adopted attend unless the court orders otherwise (Wis. Stat. § 882.04). Whether that order could include remote attendance is a question for the clerk.

Plan ahead:

• Stepparent adoptions in Wisconsin typically take 3-6 months, so you have time to ask about hearing format before your date is set.
• If you live far from the county where you file, or have work or travel constraints, mention that when you contact the clerk.
• Get any approval for remote attendance in writing or on the court's calendar, and don't assume it.
• If your situation is complicated, such as a contested case or an unknown parent, an attorney can advise you on how it affects your hearing. The clerk cannot give legal advice.

Where this fits in the process: The hearing is the final step, after your petition and supporting paperwork are filed with the Circuit Court. Home studies are waived in Wisconsin under Wis. Stat. § 48.88. The court still sets the hearing, so confirming attendance options is worth doing as soon as your case has a judge assigned.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. You answer questions online, and we prepare the complete court document package for your county. You file it yourself without an attorney. Court-ready documents are delivered within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions. The price is $349 for the first child (or one adult adoptee) and $99 for each additional child, and our 100% court acceptance guarantee applies. We have helped 385 Wisconsin families and more than 34,000 families nationally since 2001.