Termination of Parental Rights

You may seek the advice of an attorney at any time during the termination of parental rights process.

A termination of parental rights proceeding is often filed together with an adoption proceeding.

Termination of Parental Rights Process

• Access the Termination of Parental Rights procedure guideline (PDF).
• Complete the forms under step one of the procedure guideline.
• File the completed step one forms with the Register in Probate office.
• Continue to follow the steps listed on the procedure guideline.

If the child is a member of, or eligible to be a member of, a Native American tribe, a separate ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) Termination of Parental Rights procedure guideline (PDF) is available with instructions that are specific to this particular fact situation.

Additional Resources

• Additional court forms can be found on the Wisconsin Court System website.