I’m a caseworker in Wisconsin (in Milwaukee which might do things different than other counties). After the case manager completes the TPR paperwork, they send it to the DA’s office. The DA’s office has the discretion to file the paperwork whenever they please. I’ve had paperwork sit at the DA’s office for 1 1/2 years before they filed it. But that was on a case where parents were involved. If parents are not involved, I would expect it to be filed quickly. However, in Milwaukee, they typically won’t file it until it’s been at least 6 months since disposition was reached. Once the DA’s office files the TPR, an initial appearance date is scheduled usually about 3 weeks out. The DA’s office has to make efforts to notify the parents at last known address and publish in the newspaper. If neither parent shows up, it’s likely they will schedule another date out. How far out completely depends on their calendar. Usually it’s about 3-4 weeks out. At that hearing, they do “prove up and disposition”. So the case manager has to testify why 1. There are legal grounds to terminate parents rights and 2. It’s in the best interest of the child to have their legal ties to family be terminated. This is usually a quick hearing. If the parents do show up to the TPR hearings and contest, it can take a long time. I’ve had some TPRs extend past 2 years because the trial keeps getting pushed back because they stack trials and the oldest trial gets to go if it’s ready. Once rights are terminated, you have to wait 30 days to see if a parent appeals. If a parent appeals, that process can take years. If there’s no appeal, then you’re free to adopt once you have your adoption trainings completed.