Wyoming Adoption Laws

Adoption can be amazing. Expanding your family by adopting a child can be a joyous experience. But the legal requirements surrounding adoption can also be complex and potentially confusing. It can seem impossible for the average Wyoming resident to make heads or tails of the state laws that regulate who can be adopted, by whom, and how.

This article provides a brief overview of adoption laws in the state of Wyoming.

Types of Adoption in Wyoming

In Wyoming, several adoption types cater to different family situations. Each adoption type has unique requirements and processes to suit the needs of the adopting family best.

Private adoption involves collaborating with an adoption agency to connect with birth parents and match with an adoptee. Foster care adoption allows foster parents to adopt children in the foster care system through the Wyoming Department of Family Services. Relative adoption involves adopting a child who is a family member, such as a grandparent or cousin. In contrast, open adoption allows for ongoing contact between the adoptive family and birth parents. International adoption enables prospective parents to work with accredited agencies to adopt a child from another country. 

Adoption Laws in Wyoming: At a Glance

Most regulations regarding adoption exist at the state level and will dictate who is allowed to adopt and the special requirements for adoptive parents. Like most states, Wyoming allows any person to be adopted and any adult, single or married, to adopt. After age 14, the child must consent if the child's natural parents no longer have parental rights. Under Wyoming law, spouses must join in the adoption unless they are legally separated.

Adoption laws in Wyoming are in the chart below.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Wyoming Adoption Proceedings

In Wyoming, the adoption process involves a series of specific steps to ensure that the transition is legal and in the best interests of the child. Prospective adoptive parents begin by completing a comprehensive home study. Then, they file a petition for adoption with the court, detailing the adoption plan. This includes getting consent from the birth mother and birth father, with the latter's consent verified through the putative father registry if applicable.

If a birth parent is relinquishing their parental rights, they must provide an affidavit of relinquishment. Once all conditions are satisfied, the court issues an adoption decree, finalizing the adoption and updating the child's birth certificate.  Adoption services and counseling are available throughout the process to support the adoptive family.

Get Legal Help with Adoption

The adoption process takes time, and the state statutes and policies on adoption can seem never-ending. If you would like legal help with an adoption case, you can contact an experienced Wyoming adoption attorney in your area to schedule a consultation. You can also visit FindLaw's Adoption and Adoption Laws sections for more articles and resources.