Child Custody Laws in Wyoming

The court decides custody based on the children's best interests, considering factors including: each child's relationship with each parent; each parent's ability to provide care; each parent's competency and fitness; willingness to accept parenting responsibilities and to share care; how parents and children can maintain their relationships and communicate; each parent's willingness to respect the other's rights; distance between homes; each parent's physical and mental ability; and any sex-offender registration conviction. The court may not prefer a parent because of gender and may not favor or disfavor any form of custody; custody may be any combination of joint, shared or sole. Evidence of spousal or child abuse is considered contrary to the children's best interest.

While a divorce is pending, either party can apply for an order on the care and custody of the minor children during the case. The applying party must tell the court about any known protection or custody orders from other courts. The court must treat evidence of spouse or child abuse as contrary to the children's best interest, and if it finds family violence occurred, must arrange visitation during temporary custody that best protects the children and the abused spouse. After a divorce complaint is filed, the court may also bar a party from restraining the other's personal liberty during the case.

Not required statewide by statute. The court may at any time require parents to attend appropriate parenting classes, including classes to lessen the effects of divorce on children. If ordered, a Certificate of Completion must be filed with the clerk.