Wyoming Divorce With Children — Custody & Support
Custody, child support, and parenting plans when children are involved in an Wyoming divorce
How custody is determined §20-2-201
Courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering the quality of the relationship between the child and each parent, each parent's ability to provide support, and any history of domestic violence.
Types of custody
- Legal custody — the right to make major decisions about the child's education, health care, and welfare
- Physical custody — where the child lives day-to-day
- Joint custody — both parents share legal custody, physical custody, or both
- Sole custody — one parent has primary decision-making authority or residential time
Child support §20-2-304
Wyoming uses an income-shares model to calculate child support.
- Based on combined net income of both parents using Wyoming Child Support Guidelines
- Presumptive guideline amount; deviation requires written findings
- Health insurance and childcare costs are factored into the calculation
- Income can be withheld directly from the paying parent's employer
The parenting plan
Most Wyoming courts require a written parenting plan that addresses:
- Regular custody and visitation schedule
- Holiday and vacation time allocation
- Transportation arrangements and exchange locations
- Decision-making authority for education, health, and extracurricular activities
- Communication protocols between parents
- Relocation restrictions and notice requirements
Temporary orders during the divorce §20-2-111
While a divorce is pending, the court may require either party to pay sums necessary for the other party's support and the support of the children, and to enable the other party to carry on or defend the action. Temporary custody and support orders typically remain in effect until the final decree is entered.
Modifying custody later
Custody may be modified upon showing a material change in circumstances and that modification is in the best interests of the child. §20-2-204
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Related guides
- Based on combined net income of both parents using Wyoming Child Support Guidelines
- Presumptive guideline amount; deviation requires written findings
- Health insurance and childcare costs are factored into the calculation