The Wyoming child custody laws are found in Chapter 20 of Title 20 in the Wyoming Statutes Annotated.
The most important law in these statutes about child custody is the law that explains that any decision about custody matters must be made in the best interest of the child.
This is especially applicable as parents create their custody and visitation schedules.
The custody schedule must be made with the child's best interest as the focus, or the court will not accept it.
To help parents make the best possible schedule, the law provides a list of factors that the parents should consider.
These factors affect the best interest of the child and should be taken into account as the visitation schedule is made.
Here are some of the more important factors from the law.
1.
The quality of the relationship the child has with each parent.
This first thing that parents should consider when making a custody schedule is the current relationship the parents have with the child.
This usually determines which parent has primary custody.
If the child has a strong relationship with both parents, a joint custody schedule may be the best option.
If the child has as strong relationship with one parent, that parent usually has custody.
The parents should then make a visitation schedule that allows the other parent to build a better relationship with the child.
2.
The ability of each parent to provide proper care for the child and the competency of each parent.
Chapter 20 explains that the custody situation should be resolved in a way that benefits the child.
It is definitely in the best interest of the child to live in an environment where the parent cares for the child.
If a parent is not competent or not able to provide the necessary care, that parent will not have custody of the child.
The visitation schedule should be made to allow the child to safely meet with that parent--perhaps with short, frequent visits.
3.
How each parent and the child can best maintain a strong relationship.
It is in the child's best interest to have a strong, positive relationship with both parents.
The mother and father should make a custody schedule that allows significant time for each parent so that the child can build and maintain a good relationship with each parent.
4.
The geographic distance between the parents' homes.
This is practical consideration about the custody and visitation schedule.
Parents should realistic look at the practicality of visits.
If the parents live close to each other, the visits can be frequent and shorter.
If the parents live far away from each other, it might be better to set up a schedule that has longer and less frequent visits.