Adoption

Adoption is a complex legal process. At DeWitt, we are here to assist. Whether you are single or married, a stepparent, LGBTQ+, a relative, an adult seeking adoption, or a foster parent – we can help. 

For decades, DeWitt’s attorneys have worked with families and adoption agencies throughout the state and have extensive experience in navigating interstate placements including the application of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

We are trial lawyers who know the importance of advocacy for birth parents and adoptive parents, especially in Wisconsin where a termination of parental rights matter can be cooperative, adversarial, or even end up in a jury trial. DeWitt's clients benefit from our careful assessment, thorough preparation, and attention to detail.

DeWitt's adoption team is headed by Attorney Theresa L. Roetter, who has helped thousands of people add children to their families in her more than thirty years of practice. Theresa's practice is state-wide; she has appeared in almost every Wisconsin county. As a Fellow and Board Member of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys, we ascribe to the highest level of ethics and care. Theresa has been honored as a Champion of Adoption by the State of Wisconsin and an Angel in Adoption™ by the national Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

How DeWitt can help you:

  • Agency adoption
  • Private adoption
  • Independent adoption
  • Confirmatory adoption for LGBTQ+ families
  • Relative adoption
  • Stepparent adoption
  • Foster adoption
  • Adult adoption
  • Guardianships for Children

Click here to access the document, Protecting Yourself & Your Family as We Move Into 2025, for legal insights on marriage equality, adoption, immigration, and estate planning. Stay informed and prepared to navigate potential changes in laws that may affect your family.

Image Of Theresa L. Roetter

Theresa L. Roetter


Partner | Executive Committee Member Learn More

Recent News

Legal Insights with a View: DeWitt & ACC-WI Event at The Trade Featured Image
Oct 3, 2025

Legal Insights with a View: DeWitt & ACC-WI Event at The Trade

DeWitt LLP is excited to partner with ACC-Wisconsin for an afternoon of insight, strategy, and connection at one of Milwaukee’s premier venues. On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, join us at The Trade, a...Read more!

Changes in the U.S. Naturalization Process for Permanent Residents 
Applying for U.S. Citizenship Featured Image
Oct 3, 2025

Changes in the U.S. Naturalization Process for Permanent Residents Applying for U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a significant milestone for immigrants who wish to fully engage in American civic life. Naturalization is more than a legal process – it is a...Read more!

Government Shutdown Impact on the U.S. Immigration System Featured Image
Oct 2, 2025

Government Shutdown Impact on the U.S. Immigration System

On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown due to Congress’s failure to pass legislation funding federal agencies and operations before the start of the new fiscal year. The...Read more!

E-Verify Temporarily Unavailable During Government Shutdown Featured Image
Oct 2, 2025

E-Verify Temporarily Unavailable During Government Shutdown

E-Verify became unavailable at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, due to the federal government shutdown. This sudden disruption impacts both employers and employees who depend on E-Verify for employment...Read more!