SF0117

Failed

Shared parenting.

Establish a presumption favoring shared child custody arrangements in Wyoming court proceedings.

Full legal title

AN ACT relating to child custody; providing a presumption for issuance of an order of shared child custody as specified; providing definitions; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Sponsor:

Co-sponsors: Representative(s) Andrew, Angelos, Kelly, Lucas, McCann, Smith, S, Senator(s) Boner, Hutchings, Laursen, D

View on wyoleg.gov Introduced Text (PDF)Digest (PDF)Fiscal Note (PDF)

What does this bill do?

Establishes a presumption that courts shall order shared child custody unless specific exceptions apply or parties agree otherwise.

Amends custody determination requirements to presume shared custody as the default arrangement, requiring courts to order shared custody unless one of five specific exceptions applies. (W.S. 20-2-201(d), Sec. 1)
Specifies five exceptions to the shared custody presumption: written agreement by both parties for different custody, conviction of either party for domestic violence, conviction for child cruelty or abuse, parties living more than 300 miles apart with no practical shared arrangement, or clear and convincing evidence that different custody is in the child's best interest. (W.S. 20-2-201(d)(i)-(v), Sec. 1)
Defines three custody terms: joint legal custody as shared decision-making authority over child health, education and welfare; joint physical custody as substantially equal residential time annually; and shared custody as the combination of both joint legal and joint physical custody. (W.S. 20-2-201(j), Sec. 1)
Limits the act's application to custody actions first filed on or after July 1, 2025. (Sec. 2)

Effective: July 1, 2025

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Actions (5)

3/3/2025(Senate)

S:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to SR 5-4

2/10/2025(Senate)

S No report prior to CoW Cutoff

1/22/2025(Senate)

S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary

1/16/2025(Senate)

S Received for Introduction

1/15/2025(LSO)

Bill Number Assigned