By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 04, 2023
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If you live in the state of Wyoming and you're in the middle of a child custody battle, it's important to know exactly what you're facing, as far as the laws of the state go. Child custody laws can vary a great deal from one state to the next.
Continue reading for a brief summary of child custody laws in Wyoming.
Like most states, Wyoming has adopted the Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), making each state's child custody laws generally the same. Joint custody is an option for separated parents in Wyoming, and the state recognizes grandparents' visitation rights. Wyoming does consider the wishes of the child in custody matters.
Learn more about Wyoming's child custody laws by reviewing the chart below:
Code Section |
20-2-201 |
|---|---|
Year UCCJEA Was Adopted: |
2005 |
Joint Custody an Option? |
Yes, 20-2-201(d) |
Grandparent Visitation Rights Recognized? |
Yes, 20-7-101 |
Child's Own Wishes Considered? |
Yes |
In many cases, parents are unable to agree on a custody arrangement on their own and thus may have to attend a custody hearing in court to decide any contested custody issues. In nearly every case, the main concern in creating a custody arrangement will be the child's best interests. District courts in Wyoming are permitted to consider any factor that may be relevant to the child's best interests, giving more influence to those factors that can affect the child's safety and well-being.
Many of the best interest factors will focus on the child, like their relationship with any siblings and the need for consistency and continuity in their education, community, and family life. Other factors may focus on the parents, like which is more likely to take care of the daily physical, emotional, developmental, educational and special needs of the child, or which is more likely to maintain a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child.
Trying to sort out child custody matters at the end of a relationship can be emotionally and legally difficult. If you would like legal assistance with a child custody matter, you can contact a Wyoming family law attorney. You can visit FindLaw's Child Custody section for more articles and resources on this topic.
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