Louise's & Lindsey’s Baby Registry

Note from Louise and Lindsey:

"You might be asking why we have an adoption fund on our registry even though the baby is biologically from one of us and we are legally married. As a LGBTQ+ couple, we’ve planned our family together, will be contributing equally to parenting duties, and are in every way both going to be a parent to our child. However, because of the laws, the non-biological parent may or may not be recognized as a legal guardian and may not truly have parental rights over our child. We can be completely respected and protected as a family in one state and be a complete legal stranger to our child in another. Even if both parent’s names are on the birth certificate, this does not guarantee parental rights for the non-biological parent if challenged in court—only a second parent adoption in Wisconsin can ensure that parental rights will be respected. A number of states require a person to be a legal parent in order to make legal and medical decisions for a child. In the event that we move to another state, go on vacation, or even travel through a state that does not have favorable LGBTQ+ laws on the books, Lindsey’s parental rights may be in question in the event of an emergency or if she is traveling alone with our child. With the increasing likelihood that more LGBTQ+ rights are going to be wiped away, this is an unfortunate but very much needed step we must take to ensure we are both recognized as legal parental guardians. Some important rights gained with a second parent adoption include: - Consent to medical care on behalf of the child, and the ability to claim your child as a dependent for health insurance. - Should something happen to the “first” parent, the relationship of the “second” parent to your child is unquestionable (a non-legal parent may have no rights to custody or even visitation with their child). - Your child’s inheritance rights are also now protected (in the absence of a will stating otherwise, your child generally has no right to inherit from a person who is not a legal parent). Steps involved for us include: Needing physical exams for both us and the baby. A home study in which a social worker will come to our home to determine that the baby’s needs are being met as well as interviews and background checks. The lawyer will prepare documents which include the adoption homestudy, child abuse and criminal clearances, financial verification, reference letters, physician statements, and any other relevant paperwork. These documents will be filed with the court, and the court will review the documents, and a finalization hearing will be scheduled. The total cost for the second parent adoption will be about $3000."

Note from Louise and Lindsey:

"Baby - 7”"

Note from Louise and Lindsey:

"Virgo or Jade"

Note from Louise and Lindsey:

"White"

Note from Louise and Lindsey:

"6-12 M"