Wisconsin Adoption Laws, Page 6
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Regulation of Adoption Expenses
Birth Parent Expenses Allowed
Statute: § 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.
Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)
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