Wisconsin Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 18 or older, adoptive parents or a legal guardian, and an adopted adult's children age 18 or older may obtain non-identifying information.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 21 or older may receive information on birth parents if consent is on file. Adoptive parents of an adopted adult under 21 may receive information on birth parents if the birth parents have filed their consent. Birth parents may receive information regarding the adoptive parents of an adopted adult under 21, if the adoptive parents have filed consent.

Using a Confidential Intermediary:

Adopted adults age 21 or older may request a search for birth parents to obtain consent for release of identifying information if no consent is on file.

Contact:

Adoption Records Search Program
PO Box 8916
Madison, WI 53708-8916
(608) 266-7163
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/Children/adoption/adsearch.htm

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

An adopted adult age 21 or older may receive the original if the birth parents have filed consent.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)