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

DeWitt Celebrates Eleven Attorneys Selected as 2025 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Featured Image
Dec 3, 2025

DeWitt Celebrates Eleven Attorneys Selected as 2025 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Big congrats are in order! We are excited to share that eleven DeWitt attorneys in Wisconsin have just been named to the 2025 Super Lawyers and Wisconsin Rising Stars lists. This is a tremendous honor...Read more!

Six DeWitt Attorneys Recognized as 2025 IP Stars Featured Image
Nov 3, 2025

Six DeWitt Attorneys Recognized as 2025 IP Stars

Today, DeWitt LLP law firm announced six of its attorneys have been included in the final rankings for the 2025 edition of IP STARS, the leading specialist guide for companies or individuals looking...Read more!

DeWitt Attorneys Named to Wisconsin Law Journal Powerlist: Environmental Law 2025 Featured Image
Oct 13, 2025

DeWitt Attorneys Named to Wisconsin Law Journal Powerlist: Environmental Law 2025

DeWitt LLP is proud to announce that two of our attorneys—Henry Handzel, Jr., and Ronald Ragatz—have been named to the Wisconsin Law Journal’s Powerlist: Environmental Law Attorneys 2025...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!