Co-Parenting App for Wyoming Parents

What Wyoming courts consider in custody decisions

Wyoming courts consider factors under § 20-2-201(a) including the quality of the relationship each parent has established with the child and the ability of each parent to provide adequate care, including arranging for alternative care by others as needed, the competency and fitness of each parent, each parent's willingness to accept all responsibilities of parenting, how the parents and child can best maintain and strengthen a relationship with each other, how the parents and child interact and communicate with each other, the ability and willingness of each parent to allow the other to provide care without intrusion, the geographic distance between the parents' residences, the current physical and mental ability of each parent, the child's reasonable preference (if of sufficient age and capacity), and any other factors the court deems necessary and relevant. Wyoming specifically evaluates each parent's ability to encourage the child's relationship with the other parent.

How the custody process works in Wyoming

Wyoming custody cases are filed in District Court. Wyoming does not have a statewide mandatory mediation requirement, but courts may order mediation in individual cases and many judicial districts encourage it. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate and represent the child's best interests. Under § 20-2-202, joint custody may be awarded if it is in the child's best interest. Wyoming requires 45 days' advance written notice before a custodial parent can relocate with the child under § 20-2-204.

Key Wyoming custody statutes

• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-202
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-204