Legal Question in Family Law in Wisconsin

Adopting a friends child, WI & TX

I have a friend who is due to have her third child in January. She and her husband decided once realizing they were pregnant, that they did not want another child. While they contemplated abortion, they ultimately decided against it. At this point, they approached my husband and I. They asked if we would be willing to adopt the child, as they knew we have been trying to conceive for some time. All four parties involved are completely for the adoption.

I'm not sure how we should best proceed. The friends live in my hometown of Milwaukee, WI. My husband and I are in the middle of a move to San Antonio, TX. We will be living in a home there by the end of this month, and will thus reside there at the time of birth.

Is this still considered an adoption? Or is there a simpler way to transfer guardianship of the child? How will the difference in living situations effect the proceedings? How do I even begin the steps, what do I need to do, and when does it need to be started? Do I contact a lawyer in WI or in TX? I have never approached this topic before and am not sure where I should start.

Any help is greatly appreciated.


Asked on 9/01/05, 2:28 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: Adopting a friends child, WI & TX

Merely because you are friends with the natuaral parents does not change the legal elements of this adoption. You can initiate the petition for adoption in TX and you can bring the child to TX with the permission of the WI and TX. You may contact me if you want my assistance in this matter.

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Answered on 9/01/05, 10:10 am


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