Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Wisconsin Statutes Social Services (Ch. 46 to 58) § 48.835. Placement of children with relatives for adoption

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) Definition. In this section and s. 48.837, “custody” means physical custody of a child by the child's parent not in violation of a custody order issued by a court. “Custody” does not include physical custody of a child during a period of physical placement with a parent who does not have legal custody of the child.

(2) Adoptive placement. A parent having custody of a child may place the child for adoption in the home of a relative of the child without a court order.

(3) Petition for termination of parental rights required; exception. (a) If the child's parent has not filed a petition for the termination of parental rights under s. 48.42, the relative with whom the child is placed shall file a petition for the termination of the parents' rights at the same time the petition for adoption is filed, except as provided under par. (b).

(b) If the person filing the adoption petition is a stepparent with whom the child and the child's parent reside, the stepparent shall file only a petition to terminate the parental rights of the parent who does not have custody of the child.

(4) Hearings. Notwithstanding s. 48.90(1)(a), the court may hold the hearing on the adoption petition immediately after entering the order to terminate parental rights under s. 48.427(3).

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Wisconsin Statutes Social Services (Ch. 46 to 58) § 48.835. Placement of children with relatives for adoption - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/wi/social-services-ch-46-to-58/wi-st-48-835/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard