Wyoming Custody & Visitation
Current, source-linked Wyoming terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.
Wyoming terminology
Custody
Joint, shared, sole, or a combination (W.S. § 20-2-201(d)).
Visitation
The scheduled time with the non-custodial parent.
District Court
Where Wyoming custody, visitation, and support cases are heard.
Circuit Court
Where Family Violence Protection Orders are filed.
Core rules
- Wyoming uses 'custody' and 'visitation'
- The court decides based on the child's best interests (W.S. § 20-2-201(a))
- The court may not prefer one parent solely because of gender (§ 20-2-201(b))
- Spousal or child abuse is contrary to the child's best interests and requires protective visitation arrangements (§ 20-2-201(c))
- Custody may be joint, shared, sole, or a combination (§ 20-2-201(d))
- Custody and support cases are heard in the Wyoming District Court
Support and modification cautions
Wyoming uses an income-shares model under W.S. § 20-2-304 — both parents' combined net monthly income is used with statutory support tables, then the obligation is divided in proportion to net income. Shared responsibility (each parent keeps the child overnight for more than 25 percent of the year and both substantially contribute to expenses beyond support) multiplies total support by 150 percent (§ 20-2-304(c)). Modification requires a material change in circumstances and a finding that modification serves the child's best interests (W.S. § 20-2-204).
- W.S. § 20-2-201 — custody and best interests
- Wyoming Judicial Branch — child custody and visitation
- Wyoming Judicial Branch — self-help forms
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the District Court or Circuit Court clerk handling your case.