The family court in Wyoming uses several criteria to determine child custody laws. Primarily, the court will determine custody based on the best interests of the child. A court in Wyoming will not show preference for any parent based on a gender. Parents who wish to file for child custody in Wyoming should first become familiar with the custody statutes in this state.
Related: Help our readers by sharing your experience with child custody in Wyoming.
Best Interests of Child
In determining custody of a child in Wyoming, the court's primary concern is the best interests of the child. Factors included in determining a child's best interests are:
- The child's relationship with each parent
- Each parent's ability to provide adequate care for the child
- The competency and fitness of each parent
- Each parent's willingness to accept parenting responsibilities, including caring for a child and relinquishing the child to the other parent for visitation when appropriate
- The geographical proximity between the parents
- The physical and mental ability of each parents
- Each parent's ability to communicate with the other parent and his/her interest in improving communication
- Any other relevant factor deemed appropriate by the court
Abuse and Child Custody in Wyoming
A court in Wyoming considers any history of spousal or child abuse as evidence against the best interests of the child. Therefore, the court may consider a custody arrangement that best protects the child and the abused spouse from any further harm.
Access to School Records
A parent in Wyoming who is not awarded custody of a child is still entitled to access to a child's medical, dental, and school records, equal to the rights of custodial parents.
Modification of Child Custody in Wyoming
In Wyoming, if a parent seeks to modify the current custody order, he/she must:
- Make a showing of a material change of circumstances to warrant a change in custody
- Show that the modification is in the best interests of the child
For more information about child custody in Wyoming, speak with a qualified attorney in Wyoming or refer to the Wyoming Domestic Relations statute.