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Subject to certain exceptions, current law generally requires a birth parent to
appear in court to consent to the termination of his or her parental rights. This bill
adds an exception that allows a mother, father, or alleged or presumed father to avoid
appearing in court if he or she files with the court an affidavit disclaiming his or her
parental rights with respect to a child under the age of one who is not an Indian child.
A minor may use such an affidavit of disclaimer only after the TPR petition has been
filed and he or she has been appointed a guardian ad litem and only if the guardian
ad litem approves the disclaimer. The affidavit must comply with certain
requirements, including that it must be notarized and must include a statement that
the parent understands the effect of an order to terminate parental rights and that
he or she voluntarily disclaims any rights that he or she may have to the child.
Under the bill, the affidavit containing a disclaimer of parental rights may be
executed before the birth of the child by the father or alleged or presumed father but

not the mother, may not be executed by either parent between the birth and 72 hours
after the birth or on or after the child's first birthday, and may be executed by either
parent 72 hours or more after the birth. If executed 72 hours or more after the birth
of the child, or if not revoked by the father or alleged or presumed father before 72
hours after the birth of the child, the disclaimer is irrevocable unless obtained by
fraud or duress. Under the bill, no action to invalidate a disclaimer, including an
action based on fraud or duress, may be commenced more than six months after the
affidavit was executed, except that, if the petition to terminate parental rights is
granted, no action to invalidate the disclaimer may be commenced later than the
time limits allowed for filing a motion for relief from a judgment or order terminating
parental rights.
Grounds for termination of parental rights
Under current law, in a proceeding for involuntary TPR, the juvenile court must
determine whether grounds exist for TPR. One of the grounds for TPR under current
law is failure to assume parental responsibility for a child, which is established by
proving that the parent or the person who may be the parent of the child has not had
a substantial parental relationship with the child. “Substantial parental
relationship” is defined in current law as the acceptance and exercise of significant
responsibility for the daily supervision, education, protection, and care of the child.
In evaluating whether a person has had a substantial parental relationship with the
child, current law allows the juvenile court to consider certain factors, including
whether the person has expressed concern for or interest in the support, care, or
well-being of the child and whether, with respect to a person who is or may be the
father of the child, the person has expressed concern for or interest in the support,
care, or well-being of the mother during her pregnancy.
This bill changes the factor related to expressing concern for or interest in the
support, care, and well-being of the child to whether the person has provided care
or support for the child. The bill eliminates the factor of whether the person has
expressed concern for or interest in the support, care, or well-being of the mother
during her pregnancy. The bill instead provides that proving that a person who is
or may be the father of the child failed to provide care and support for the mother
during her pregnancy, without reasonable cause, establishes abandonment of a
child, which is a ground for TPR under current law. Also under the bill, proving that
a parent has failed without reasonable cause to pay court-ordered payments of child
support establishes abandonment of the child.
Rights of an alleged father
Under this bill, an alleged father of a nonmarital child whose paternity has not
been established is entitled to actual notice of a TPR proceeding, and the resulting
rights of standing in that proceeding, only if that person has filed a declaration of
paternal interest. There are three types of alleged fathers of a nonmarital child who
currently are entitled to TPR notice:
1. A person alleged to the court to be the father of the child or who may, based
upon the statements of the mother or other information presented to the court, be the
father of the child.

2. A person who has lived in a familial relationship with the child and who may
be the father of the child.
3. A person who has filed a declaration of paternal interest.
The bill provides that a person who is eligible to but who fails to file a
declaration of paternal interest in matters affecting a child is deemed to have
irrevocably consented to the termination of any parental rights the person has to the
child and to the child's adoption unless, at the time of the TPR or adoption petition,
the person's paternity of the child was acknowledged or was in the process of being
adjudicated. The bill makes no change to the requirements of notice or to a father's
rights in a TPR or adoption proceeding with respect to an Indian child.
Under current law, any person claiming to be the father of a nonmarital child
whose paternity has not been established may file with the Department of Children
and Families a declaration of paternal interest in matters affecting the child.
Generally, the declaration may be filed before the child's birth or within 14 days after
the child's birth and may be revoked at any time. In certain cases a petitioner may
file with the petition an affidavit signed by the mother that provides information
identifying an alleged father, in which case the petitioner is required to send notice
to the alleged father of his right to file a declaration of paternal interest. In that case,
the alleged father has 21 days after receipt of such notice to file the declaration.
Filing a declaration does not extend parental rights to the person filing the
declaration, but it does entitle that person to notice of certain proceedings related to
the child, including a TPR proceeding.
Under current law, a person who may be the father of a nonmarital child by
virtue of the fact that the person had sexual intercourse with the mother of the child,
whose paternity has not been established, is considered to be on notice that a
pregnancy and a TPR proceeding might result and has the duty to protect his own
rights and interests. Under current law, certain putative fathers are entitled to
actual notice of a TPR proceeding involving the child. Under current law, a person
who is not entitled to actual notice of a TPR proceeding does not have standing to
appear and contest the petition, present evidence relevant to the issue of disposition,
or make alternative dispositional recommendations unless the person appears at the
hearing, establishes paternity, and proves certain facts relating to residing out of
state and being deprived of the opportunity to preserve his paternal interests.
Payments relating to adoption
This bill allows payments to be made to an out-of-state private child placing
agency that is licensed in the state in which it operates for services provided in
connection with an adoption. The bill defines a private child placing agency as a
private corporation, agency, foundation, institution, or charitable organization, or
any private person or attorney, that facilitates, causes, or is involved in the
placement of a child from one state to another state. Current law allows payments
for such services only to a child welfare agency licensed in this state.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
SB232-SSA1,1
1Section 1. 48.41 (2) (bm) of the statutes is created to read:
SB232-SSA1,5,72 48.41 (2) (bm) 1. Subject to subd. 1m., a mother, father, or presumed or alleged
3father may consent to the termination of any parental rights that he or she may have
4with respect to a child who is under one year of age and who is not an Indian child
5as provided in par. (a) or (b) or by filing with the court an affidavit of disclaimer of
6parental rights that is notarized and that meets the requirements under subds. 2.
7to 8.
SB232-SSA1,5,128 1m. A minor may consent to the termination of any parental rights that he or
9she may have with respect to a child by using an affidavit of disclaimer under subd.
101. only after the petition to terminate parental rights has been filed and he or she has
11been appointed a guardian ad litem and only if the guardian ad litem approves the
12disclaimer.
SB232-SSA1,5,1413 2. All of the following apply to the affidavit of disclaimer of parental rights
14under subd. 1.:
SB232-SSA1,5,1815 a. The affidavit may not be executed after the birth of the child until 72 hours
16after the birth of the child and may not be executed on or after the child's first
17birthday. The father or presumed or alleged father may, but the mother may not,
18execute the affidavit before the birth of the child.
SB232-SSA1,5,2119 b. The affidavit, if executed by the father or presumed or alleged father before
20the birth of the child, is revocable until 72 hours after the birth of the child, as
21provided under subd. 9.
SB232-SSA1,5,2422 c. The affidavit is irrevocable if executed 72 hours or more after the birth of the
23child or if not revoked before 72 hours after the birth of the child, unless it was
24obtained by fraud or duress.
SB232-SSA1,6,3
1d. Except as provided in subd. 2. e. and s. 48.028 (5) (b) and (c) and (6), no action
2to invalidate the affidavit, including an action based on fraud or duress, may be
3commenced more than 6 months after the date the affidavit was executed.
SB232-SSA1,6,64 e. If the petition to terminate parental rights is granted, no action to invalidate
5the affidavit may be commenced later than the time limits allowed for filing a motion
6for relief from judgment under s. 48.46 (2).
SB232-SSA1,6,77 3. An affidavit under subd. 1. shall contain all of the following:
SB232-SSA1,6,98 a. The name, county of residence, and age of the parent whose parental rights
9are being terminated.
SB232-SSA1,6,1010 b. The name, age, and birth date of the child, if born.
SB232-SSA1,6,1211 c. The names and addresses of the guardians of the person and of the estate of
12the child, if any.
SB232-SSA1,6,1513 d. A statement of whether the person whose parental rights are being
14terminated is or is not presently obligated by court order to make payments for the
15support of the child.
SB232-SSA1,6,1716 e. A full description and statement of value of all property the child owns or
17possesses.
SB232-SSA1,6,1918 f. An allegation that termination of parental rights is in the best interest of the
19child.
SB232-SSA1,6,2320 g. The name and county of residence of any other parent or presumed or alleged
21father, a statement that the parental rights of the other parent or presumed or
22alleged father have been terminated by death or court order, or a statement that the
23child has no other parent or presumed or alleged father.
SB232-SSA1,6,2524 h. A statement containing the information and understandings specified in
25subd. 4.
SB232-SSA1,7,1
1i. A statement that the child is not an Indian child.
SB232-SSA1,7,32 4. An affidavit under subd. 1. shall contain a statement in substantially the
3following form:
SB232-SSA1,7,4 4“I have been informed of and understand all of the following:
SB232-SSA1,7,75 A. That a court order terminating parental rights will permanently end all
6legal rights and duties that exist between me and the child, such as the duty to
7support, the right to custody and visitation, and the right to inherit.
SB232-SSA1,7,98 B. That there are parenting-related services that would be available to me if
9I chose not to consent to the termination of my parental rights.
SB232-SSA1,7,1210 C. That this affidavit may not be executed less than 72 hours after the birth
11of the child, on or after the child's first birthday, or by the child's mother before the
12birth of the child.
SB232-SSA1,7,1413 D. That the child's father or presumed or alleged father has the right to revoke
14an affidavit of disclaimer until 72 hours after the birth of the child.
SB232-SSA1,7,1715 E. That the affidavit is irrevocable if executed 72 hours or more after the birth
16of the child or if not revoked before 72 hours after the birth of the child, unless it was
17obtained by fraud or duress.
SB232-SSA1,7,2218 F. That no action to invalidate the affidavit, including an action based on fraud
19or duress, may be commenced more than 6 months after the date the affidavit was
20executed, except that, if the petition to terminate parental rights is granted, no
21action to invalidate the affidavit may be commenced later than the time limits
22allowed for filing a motion for relief from judgment under s. 48.46 (2).”
SB232-SSA1,7,2523 5. An affidavit under subd. 1. shall contain a statement that the person
24voluntarily disclaims any rights that he or she may have to the child, including the
25right to notice of proceedings under this chapter.
SB232-SSA1,8,5
16. If a guardian has not been appointed under s. 48.977, an affidavit under
2subd. 1. may contain the nomination of the department, a county department
3authorized to accept guardianship under s. 48.57 (1) (e) or (hm), or a child welfare
4agency licensed under s. 48.61 (5) to accept guardianship to serve as guardian of the
5child and the individual's address.
SB232-SSA1,8,76 7. A copy of the affidavit shall be provided to the person at the time he or she
7signs the affidavit.
SB232-SSA1,8,108 8. The affidavit may not contain terms for post-termination contact between
9the child and the person whose parental rights are to be terminated as a condition
10of the disclaimer of parental rights.
SB232-SSA1,8,1511 9. To revoke a disclaimer of parental rights in an affidavit under subd. 1., the
12father or presumed or alleged father shall sign a statement revoking the disclaimer
13of parental rights that is notarized. A copy of the revocation shall be filed with the
14clerk of court. The revocation is not valid unless it is executed and filed before 72
15hours after the birth of the child.
SB232-SSA1,2 16Section 2. 48.41 (2) (cm) of the statutes is created to read:
SB232-SSA1,8,2217 48.41 (2) (cm) 1. Except as provided in subd. 2., a person who is eligible to file
18a declaration of paternal interest in matters affecting a child under s. 48.025 and who
19fails to do so as provided in that section is deemed to have irrevocably consented to
20the termination of any parental rights that he may have and is deemed to have
21disclaimed any rights that he may have to the child, including the right to notice of
22proceedings under this subchapter.
SB232-SSA1,8,2423 2. Subdivision 1. does not apply if, at the time a petition under s. 48.42 is filed,
24any of the following applies:
SB232-SSA1,9,2
1a. An action or motion to determine if the person is the child's father has been
2filed and has not been resolved.
SB232-SSA1,9,53 b. The person has been acknowledged as the child's father under s. 767.805 or
4a substantially similar law of another state and the acknowledgment has not been
5rescinded.
SB232-SSA1,9,66 c. The person meets the conditions specified in s. 48.423 (2).
SB232-SSA1,3 7Section 3. 48.415 (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,9,20 848.415 Grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights. (intro.)
9At the fact-finding portion of the fact-finding and dispositional hearing the court or
10jury shall determine whether grounds exist for the termination of parental rights.
11If the child is an Indian child, the court or jury shall also determine at the
12fact-finding portion of the fact-finding and dispositional hearing whether continued
13custody of the Indian child by the Indian child's parent or Indian custodian is likely
14to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the Indian child under s. 48.028
15(4) (e) 1. and whether active efforts under s. 48.028 (4) (e) 2. have been made to
16prevent the breakup of the Indian child's family and whether those efforts have
17proved unsuccessful, unless partial summary judgment on the grounds for
18termination of parental rights is granted, in which case the court shall make those
19determinations at the dispositional portion of the fact-finding and dispositional
20hearing. Grounds for termination of parental rights shall be one of the following:
SB232-SSA1,4 21Section 4. 48.415 (1) (a) 4. of the statutes is created to read:
SB232-SSA1,9,2422 48.415 (1) (a) 4. That a person who is or may be the father of the child failed
23without reasonable cause to provide care and support for the mother during her
24pregnancy.
SB232-SSA1,5 25Section 5. 48.415 (1) (a) 5. of the statutes is created to read:
SB232-SSA1,10,2
148.415 (1) (a) 5. That the parent has failed without reasonable cause to pay
2court-ordered payments of child support.
SB232-SSA1,6 3Section 6. 48.415 (6) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,10,134 48.415 (6) (b) In this subsection, “substantial parental relationship" means the
5acceptance and exercise of significant responsibility for the daily supervision,
6education, protection, and care of the child. In evaluating whether the person has
7had a substantial parental relationship with the child, the court may consider such
8factors, including, but not limited to, whether the person has expressed concern for
9or interest in the
provided care or support , care or well-being of for the child, and
10whether the person has neglected or refused to provide care or support for the child
11and whether, with respect to a person who is or may be the father of the child, the
12person has expressed concern for or interest in the support, care or well-being of the
13mother during her pregnancy
.
SB232-SSA1,7 14Section 7. 48.415 (9) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,10,2215 48.415 (9) (a) Parenthood as a result of sexual assault, which shall be
16established by proving that the child was conceived as a result of a sexual assault in
17violation of s. 940.225 (1), (2) or (3), 948.02 (1) or (2), 948.025, or 948.085. Conception
18as a result of sexual assault as specified in this paragraph may be proved by a final
19judgment of conviction or other evidence produced at the fact-finding portion of a
20fact-finding and dispositional hearing under s. 48.424 indicating that the person
21who may be the father of the child committed, during a possible time of conception,
22a sexual assault as specified in this paragraph against the mother of the child.
SB232-SSA1,8 23Section 8. 48.42 (2) (b) (intro.) and 1. of the statutes are consolidated,
24renumbered 48.42 (2) (b) and amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,11,5
148.42 (2) (b) Except as provided in par. (bm), if the child is a nonmarital child
2who is not adopted or whose parents do not subsequently intermarry under s.
3767.803 and whose paternity has not been established: 1. A , a person who has filed
4an unrevoked declaration of paternal interest under s. 48.025 before the birth of the
5child or within 14 days after the birth of the child.
SB232-SSA1,9 6Section 9. 48.42 (2) (b) 2. of the statutes is repealed.
SB232-SSA1,10 7Section 10. 48.42 (2) (b) 3. of the statutes is repealed.
SB232-SSA1,11 8Section 11. 48.42 (2) (bm) (intro.) and 1. of the statutes are consolidated,
9renumbered 48.42 (2) (bm) and amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,11,1610 48.42 (2) (bm) If the child is a nonmarital child who is under one year of age
11at the time the petition is filed and who is not adopted or whose parents do not
12subsequently intermarry under s. 767.803 and whose paternity has not been
13established and if an affidavit under sub. (1g) (a) is filed with the petition: 1. A , a
14person who has filed an unrevoked declaration of paternal interest under s. 48.025
15before the birth of the child, within 14 days after the birth of the child, or within 21
16days after a notice under sub. (1g) (b) is mailed, whichever is later.
SB232-SSA1,12 17Section 12. 48.42 (2) (bm) 2. of the statutes is repealed.
SB232-SSA1,13 18Section 13. 48.422 (6) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,12,319 48.422 (6) (a) In the case of a nonmarital child who is not adopted or whose
20parents do not subsequently intermarry under s. 767.803 and for whom paternity
21has not been established, or for whom a declaration of paternal interest has not been
22filed under s. 48.025 within 14 days after the date of birth of the child or, if s. 48.42
23(1g) (b) applies, within 21 days after the date on which the notice under s. 48.42 (1g)
24(b) is mailed, the court shall hear testimony concerning the paternity of the child.
25Based on the testimony, the court shall determine whether all interested parties who

1are known have been notified for whom notice is required under s. 48.42 (2) and (2g)
2(ag) have been notified. If not, the court shall adjourn the hearing and order
3appropriate notice to be given.
SB232-SSA1,14 4Section 14. 48.424 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,12,5 548.424 (title) Fact-finding and dispositional hearing.
SB232-SSA1,15 6Section 15. 48.424 (1) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,12,97 48.424 (1) (intro.) The purpose of the fact-finding portion of the fact-finding
8and dispositional
hearing is to determine in cases in which the petition was contested
9at the hearing on the petition under s. 48.422 all of the following:
SB232-SSA1,16 10Section 16. 48.424 (2) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,12,1211 48.424 (2) (intro.) The fact-finding and dispositional hearing shall be
12conducted according to the procedure specified in s. 48.31 except as follows:
SB232-SSA1,17 13Section 17. 48.424 (4) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,12,2514 48.424 (4) (intro.) The court or jury shall hear all evidence relevant to the issues
15under sub. (1) and to the issue of disposition under s. 48.427 before making a
16determination of whether there are grounds for the termination of parental rights.

17If grounds for the termination of parental rights are found by the court or jury, the
18court shall find the parent unfit. A finding of unfitness shall not preclude a dismissal
19of a petition under s. 48.427 (2). Except as provided in s. 48.23 (2) (b) 3., the The court
20shall then proceed immediately to hear evidence and motions related to the
21dispositions enumerated in
make a disposition under s. 48.427. Except as provided
22in s. 48.42 (2g) (ag), the court may delay making a determination of whether the
23parent is unfit and making
the disposition and set a date for a dispositional hearing
24by granting a continuance of no later longer than 45 days after the fact-finding
25hearing
if any of the following apply:
SB232-SSA1,18
1Section 18. 48.424 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,13,82 48.424 (5) If the court delays making a determination of whether the parent
3is unfit and making
a permanent disposition under sub. (4), it may transfer
4temporary custody of the child to an agency for placement of the child until the
5fact-finding and dispositional hearing is continued. Placement of an Indian child
6under this subsection shall comply with the order of placement preference under s.
748.028 (7) (b) or, if applicable, s. 48.028 (7) (c), unless the agency finds good cause,
8as described in s. 48.028 (7) (e), for departing from that order.
SB232-SSA1,19 9Section 19. 48.427 (1m) of the statutes is amended to read:
SB232-SSA1,13,2010 48.427 (1m) In addition to any evidence presented under sub. (1), the court
11shall give the foster parent or other physical custodian described in s. 48.62 (2) of the
12child a right to be heard at the dispositional portion of the fact-finding and
13dispositional
hearing by permitting the foster parent or other physical custodian to
14make a written or oral statement during the dispositional portion of the fact-finding
15and dispositional
hearing, or to submit a written statement prior to disposition,
16relevant to the issue of disposition. A foster parent or other physical custodian
17described in s. 48.62 (2) who receives notice of a hearing under s. 48.42 (2g) (a) and
18a right to be heard under this subsection does not become a party to the proceeding
19on which the hearing is held solely on the basis of receiving that notice and right to
20be heard.
SB232-SSA1,20 21Section 20. 48.828 of the statutes is created to read:
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