The bill amends existing child custody laws in Wyoming to establish a presumption in favor of shared child custody arrangements. It specifies that unless an agreement between the parties states otherwise, the court shall issue an order for shared custody when granting a divorce, separation, annulment, or establishing paternity. The court is required to consider the best interests of the child, and the bill outlines specific circumstances under which a different custody arrangement may be made, such as if there is a written agreement between the parties, evidence of domestic violence, or if the parties live more than 300 miles apart.

Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "joint legal custody," "joint physical custody," and "shared custody," clarifying the responsibilities and arrangements involved in each type of custody. The new provisions will apply to all custody actions filed on or after July 1, 2025, with the act itself taking effect on that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-2-201