How do I adopt an adult in Wisconsin?

You adopt an adult in Wisconsin by filing a petition in the Circuit Court in the county where you live, getting the adult's written consent, and attending a short hearing where the judge decides whether the adoption is in the best interests of the people involved. Adult adoption follows its own set of statutes, separate from the rules for adopting a minor. The usual timeline is 4-8 weeks.

Who can adopt. Under Wis. Stat. § 882.01, an adult may be adopted by any other adult who is a Wisconsin resident. The statute does not state a relationship requirement or an age gap between the two people. Wisconsin also sets no minimum residency period. You simply need to be a resident when you file.

Where to file. Wis. Stat. § 882.03 says the petition goes to the Circuit Court in the county where the person adopting lives. Wisconsin has 72 counties, and each clerk's office can explain local filing practices, current fees and how to submit your papers.

Consents. Wis. Stat. § 882.02 requires:

• The written consent of the adult who is being adopted.
• The consent of your spouse, if you are married and your spouse has not joined the petition.

Parental consent is not among the consents the statute lists. If your situation involves a contested family dynamic or a question about someone else's rights, ask the Circuit Court clerk or an attorney about that specific issue.

Home study. A home study is not mandatory for an adult adoption. Under Wis. Stat. § 882.04, the court enters its order after "such investigation as the court considers advisable," so the judge decides whether anything more is needed.

The hearing. A hearing is required under Wis. Stat. § 882.04. It may be held in chambers, which means in the judge's private office rather than a public courtroom. You and the adult being adopted attend unless the court orders otherwise. The judge grants the adoption if it is in the best interests of the persons involved.

Basic steps:

• Confirm that you are an adult, a Wisconsin resident, and filing in your own county.
• Have the adult you plan to adopt sign written consent. If you are married, get your spouse's consent or have your spouse join the petition.
• Prepare and file the petition with the Circuit Court clerk.
• Attend the hearing and, if the judge approves, receive the adoption order.
• After the order, the Wisconsin Vital Records Office is the agency to contact about updating records. The clerk can point you to the right process.

Questions to confirm locally. The statutes do not spell out every detail, such as the filing fee or a specific scheduling process. Your county's Circuit Court clerk can confirm these. If your family's circumstances are unusual, such as an unknown relative or an objection from someone, an attorney can advise on that point.

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.