A Dixon County judge granted a petition on the court docket to make McKayla Jackson the legal parent of a child known in court as Riley, approving a requested change of the child’s last name to Jackson.

The court placed witnesses under oath and heard testimony that McKayla Jackson has acted in a parental role since marrying Riley’s mother and that Riley “looks to you as a parent.” Counsel noted the parental rights of the child’s father, Brandon Clausen, were terminated on Oct. 27. The judge told McKayla Jackson, “I will grant your adoption,” and signed the order in open court.

The judge confirmed the adoption will create the same legal relationship as if Riley were biological to McKayla Jackson and advised the petitioner of the responsibilities that come with legal parenthood. The petition included a request to change the minor’s name from Riley Ayla Lawson to Riley Ayla Jackson; the court approved that request as part of the adoption order.

The court also accepted an affidavit of attorney’s fees submitted by counsel. After the order was signed, the judge invited the family to take a photo in court.

The adoption was resolved as a formal order in open court; the transcript shows no further contested motions tied to this petition on the day’s docket. The judge directed counsel to prepare and submit the finalized order to the clerk’s office for entry and distribution.