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It's no secret that parenting can be complicated. Co-parenting comes with its own set of concerns, including custody, child support, decision-making, parenting plans, visitation rights, and more. Wyoming recognizes the need for co-parenting and offers plenty of guidance for effectively co-parenting in the state. This comprehensive guide outlines WY co-parenting laws and covers the essential topics and legal issues.
When it comes to custody and parental responsibilities in Wyoming, Wyoming statute § 20-2-201 covers the topic. According to WY Law, the court shall determine the best interests of the child, considering all relevant factors including "the wishes of the child's parent or parents as to custody, the wishes of the child as to the custodian, the interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's parent or parents, the child's siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests." WY Law also states that the court shall consider the relative fitness of the custodians and the willingness and ability of each custodian to understand and act upon the child's needs.
WY Child support is determined in accordance with state statute § 20-2-205. The calculation for child support is based on the payer's income, the number of children being supported, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The court will then set a payment amount based on the total number of parental obligations, such as medical expenses and other costs. Generally, the non-custodial parent is responsible for paying the majority of the child support.
When it comes to co-parenting expenses, WY Statute § 20-2-206 outlines the legal situation. The court shall allocate co-parenting expenses between the custodial parent and the non-custodial parent based upon the circumstances. Generally, the court will require that the non-custodial parent pay half of the expenses, such as medical, educational, and daycare costs, while the custodial parent will pay half.
Wyoming Statute § 20-2-203 provides guidance for parental rights and decision-making. According to the law, both parents retain rights and authority to make decisions regarding the child, unless otherwise provided by court order. Generally, this includes the right to make decisions related to religion, education, medical care, and extracurricular activities. Co-parenting requires each parent to communicate with the other parent when making decisions and to respect the opinion of the other parent.
Wyoming Statute § 20-2-206 outlines the requirements for a parenting plan. A parenting plan is essentially a document outlining the co-parenting arrangement that both parents have agreed to. The parenting plan should establish a consistent schedule for parenting time, designate who has decision-making authority, and outline a dispute resolution process in the event of disagreement. The parenting plan should be reviewed and updated each year to accommodate the changing needs of the family.
WY Statute § 20-2-206 outlines visitation rights in the state. Generally speaking, the court will issue a visitation schedule outlining when each parent may have the child, which is often based on the parenting plan. Visitation is generally divided into parenting time and holiday time, with non-custodial parents typically having visitation every other weekend. Holiday visitation is typically split between the parents, with each parent having the child for either Christmas or Easter, and alternating each year.
When it comes to co-parenting, mediation is often the first step. According to WY Statute § 20-2-124, mediation is encouraged in every parenting dispute. Mediation is an informal process wherein both parents meet with a neutral third party to work out the details of a parenting plan. Through mediation, parents can come to an agreement on issues such as visitation, decision-making, and other co-parenting matters. The mediator will then submit a report to the court for review. In most cases, a mediated agreement is the best way to reach a workable solution for all parties involved.
It's important for co-parents to understand WY's co-parenting laws. By understanding the legal framework and utilizing the resources available, co-parents in Wyoming can make co-parenting a success.
Fact Check and Sources
In writing this post, we conducted thorough fact-checking and research, consulting the following sources:
Co-parenting in USA
Co-parenting in Canada
Warning: This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.