Same-Sex Couple
How are same-sex parents as a result of surrogacy named on the final birth certificate? Parent 1 and Parent 2
Can an international same-sex male couple obtain an initial birth certificate naming the biological father and Gestational Carrier? Yes
Can they subsequently obtain a birth certificate naming only the biological father or both fathers, with no mention of the Gestational Carrier? Yes
Can the non-biological parent in a same-sex couple obtain a second parent adoption based solely on the fact that the child was born in Wisconsin (i.e., neither of the Intended Parents lives in Wisconsin)? No
If no, will Wisconsin Vital Records honor a second parent adoption order from another state and add the second parent to the birth certificate? Yes
Second Parent & Stepparent Adoptions for Wisconsin Residents
Note: This situation typically arises if the child is born outside the state. The parents then return to Wisconsin to obtain a second parent adoption or stepparent adoption in Wisconsin.
Will courts in Wisconsin grant second parent adoptions or stepparent adoptions to heterosexual couples living in Wisconsin? Yes
Does the couple need to be married? Yes
Will courts in Wisconsin grant second parent adoptions or stepparent adoptions to same-sex couples living in Wisconsin? Yes
Does the couple need to be married? Yes