Wisconsin State Regulation of Adoption Expenses Law
State Regulation of Adoption Expenses
State-Specific Search Results
Wisconsin
Birth Parent Expenses AllowedStatute:
§ 48.913(1)
Pre- and post-adoptive counseling.
Maternity clothes.
Local transportation.
Medical and hospital care.
Legal services.
Living expenses up to $1,000 when necessary to protect the health and welfare of mother or fetus.
Birthing classes.
A gift to the mother, not to exceed $50 in value.
Statute outlines payment procedure to out-of-State adoptions.
Birth Parent Expenses Not Allowed
Statute:
§ 48.913(1), (4)
Lost wages or living expenses while receiving medical care.
Any payments other than those specifically authorized by statute.
Allowable Payments for Arranging Adoption
Statute:
§ 948.24
It is illegal, for a person to offer anything of value, to solicit, negotiate, or arrange the placement of a child for adoption except under § 48.833.
Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child
Statute:
§§ 948.24; 48.837
It is unlawful to place or agree to place a child for anything other than the actual cost of the items authorized in § 48.913.
Making any payment to a birth parent conditional upon the surrender of the child is considered coercion and grounds to dismiss the petition to adopt.
Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency
Statute:
§§ 48.913(1); 48.838
Fees may be charged for services provided or investigations completed.
The department may charge a fee of $75 to review foreign adoption documents and provide certification.
Accounting of Expenses Required by Court
Statute:
§ 48.913(6), (7)
A report shall be submitted to the court at the time of the hearing that provides a list of all transfers of value made to birth parents or any other person in connection with the adoption.
