Child Custody in Wyoming (2026)

Wyoming’s Straightforward Approach to Custody

Wyoming takes a relatively direct, no-nonsense approach to custody law. The state’s statutory framework is compact — Wyo. Stat. Sections 20-2-201 through 20-2-204 cover the essential rules without the complexity found in states that have layered multiple statutory reforms over decades. Wyoming relies on a clear best interests standard, requires parenting plans and mediation, and since July 2025 has established a presumption of shared custody.

For a broader overview of custody frameworks, see our guide on child custody laws explained.

The Shared Custody Presumption (SF0117)

Since July 1, 2025, SF0117 established a rebuttable presumption of shared custody in Wyoming — meaning joint legal custody and joint physical custody with substantially equal parenting time. This presumption means courts start from the assumption that shared custody is in the child’s best interest. A parent who believes a different arrangement is appropriate must present evidence to rebut this presumption.

This represents a significant shift from Wyoming’s prior approach, which evaluated each case without a starting presumption. Under the new framework, the burden falls on the parent seeking an unequal arrangement to demonstrate why shared custody would not serve the child’s best interests.

Best Interests Factors

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-201, the court considers a comprehensive set of factors:

• The quality of the relationship each child has with each parent
• The ability of each parent to provide adequate care throughout each period of responsibility, including arranging for care by others as needed
• The relative competency and fitness of each parent
• Each parent’s willingness to accept all responsibilities of parenting, including care during proposed periods of responsibility
• How the parents and child can best maintain and strengthen their relationships
• How the parents and child interact and communicate, and how such interaction may be improved
• The ability and willingness of each parent to allow the other to provide care without intrusion, respecting the other parent’s parental rights
• The geographic distance between the parents’ residences
• The current physical and mental ability of each parent to care for each child
• Any other factors the court deems necessary and relevant

Types of Custody in Wyoming

Wyoming recognizes the following custody arrangements:

• Sole Custody — One parent has both decision-making authority and primary physical responsibility for the child. The other parent typically receives visitation (parenting time).
• Joint Custody (Shared) — Both parents share decision-making authority and the child spends significant time with each parent. Joint custody requires that the parents demonstrate the ability to communicate and cooperate in the child’s best interest.
• Primary Residential Custody — The child lives primarily with one parent while the other has a defined parenting time schedule.
• Visitation (Parenting Time) — The noncustodial parent has the right to regular and meaningful contact with the child on a schedule established by the court.

Courts aim to ensure that the child maintains a strong relationship with both parents.

Mandatory Parenting Plans

Wyoming requires parents to submit a parenting plan as part of custody proceedings. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-202, the plan must address:

• The allocation of decision-making authority
• A residential schedule specifying when the child is with each parent
• Provisions for holidays and school breaks
• A method for resolving future disputes between the parents
• Provisions for communication between the child and each parent

If the parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will establish one based on the best interests factors. Parents are encouraged to work together on the plan, and the mandatory mediation requirement helps facilitate this.

Mandatory Mediation

Wyoming requires mediation in contested custody disputes. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-201(f), the court must refer the parties to mediation prior to a contested custody hearing unless there is a history of domestic abuse or other circumstances making mediation inappropriate. Mediation is designed to help parents reach a cooperative agreement regarding custody and parenting time. If mediation does not produce an agreement, the case proceeds to a hearing before the court.

Child’s Preference

Wyoming does not designate a specific age at which a child may choose which parent to live with. The court may consider the child’s wishes as one of the many factors in the best interests analysis. In practice, Wyoming courts give increasing weight to the child’s expressed preferences as the child demonstrates maturity and the ability to articulate well-reasoned views. The court may interview the child or appoint a guardian ad litem.

Relocation

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-204, a parent who wishes to relocate must provide at least 45 days advance written notice to the other parent. The notice must include the proposed new residence, the reason for the relocation, and a proposed revised parenting time schedule. The non-relocating parent may object, and the court will evaluate the proposed relocation under the best interests standard, considering the purpose of the move, its impact on the child’s relationship with both parents, and the feasibility of preserving meaningful contact through modified parenting time.

Grandparent Visitation

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-7-101, grandparents may petition for visitation rights. The court may grant visitation if it finds that the grandparent has established a significant, viable relationship with the child and that visitation is in the child’s best interest. The court gives deference to the decisions of fit parents, consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s holding in Troxel v. Granville.

When to Seek Legal Help

Wyoming’s custody framework involves a detailed best interests analysis, mandatory mediation, parenting plan requirements, and the new shared custody presumption under SF0117. Whether you are establishing an initial custody arrangement, facing a relocation dispute, or seeking a modification, consider scheduling a free consultation to discuss your situation with an experienced family law attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wyoming presume shared custody?

Yes. Since July 1, 2025, SF0117 established a rebuttable presumption of shared custody in Wyoming, meaning joint legal custody and joint physical custody with substantially equal parenting time. A parent seeking a different arrangement must present evidence to rebut this presumption.

Does Wyoming require mediation in custody cases?

Yes. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-201(f), Wyoming requires mediation in contested custody disputes before a contested hearing, unless there is a history of domestic abuse or other circumstances making mediation inappropriate.

Does Wyoming set a specific age for a child’s custody preference?

No. Wyoming does not designate a specific age. The court may consider the child’s wishes as part of the best interests analysis, giving increasing weight as the child demonstrates maturity and the ability to articulate well-reasoned views.

How much notice must a relocating parent give in Wyoming?

Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-204, a parent must provide at least 45 days advance written notice including the proposed new residence, the reason for the relocation, and a proposed revised parenting time schedule.

Does Wyoming require a parenting plan?

Yes. Under Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-202, parents must submit a parenting plan addressing decision-making authority, a residential schedule, holiday and school break provisions, a dispute resolution method, and communication between the child and each parent.

What happens if parents cannot agree on a parenting plan?

If the parents cannot reach agreement — even after mandatory mediation — the court will establish a parenting plan based on the best interests factors in Wyo. Stat. Section 20-2-201. The court has broad discretion to design a plan that serves the child’s needs.

How This Guide Was Researched

This guide was developed through direct review of Wyo. Stat. Sections 20-2-201 through 20-2-204 (custody, best interests factors, parenting plan requirements, and relocation), Section 20-2-201(f) (mandatory mediation), and Section 20-7-101 (grandparent visitation). We also reviewed SF0117 (effective July 1, 2025), which established the rebuttable presumption of shared custody. Additional sources included Wyoming Judicial Branch self-help court forms, Wyoming State Bar family law section publications on the shared custody presumption, Wyoming Legal Aid custody guides, and parenting plan templates provided by the Wyoming courts.

Sources and Legal References

• Wyo. Stat. §§ 20-2-201 through 20-2-204 — Custody framework, best interests factors, parenting plans, and relocation
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(f) — Mandatory mediation in contested custody disputes
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-202 — Parenting plan requirements (decision-making, residential schedule, holidays, dispute resolution, communication)
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-204 — Relocation notice requirements (45 days advance written notice)
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-7-101 — Grandparent visitation (significant, viable relationship standard)
• SF0117 (2025) — Rebuttable presumption of shared custody (joint legal and physical, substantially equal parenting time)

Official Wyoming Resources

• Wyoming Judicial Branch — Self-Help Forms

For more about how we research our guides, see our editorial policy and sources methodology.

Related Guides

• 50/50 custody schedules and what they look like
• Divorce in Wyoming
• Child support in Wyoming
• Creating a parenting plan
• How child custody is determined
• Custody mediation: what to expect
• Custody hearings: how to prepare