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 is made between the parties, the court shall issue an order for shared custody when granting a divorce, separation, annulment, or establishing paternity. The bill outlines exceptions to this presumption, including situations where a different custody arrangement has been agreed upon in writing, instances of domestic violence or child abuse, geographical distance between the parties, or when evidence suggests that another arrangement would be in the best interest of the children.

Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "joint legal custody," "joint physical custody," and "shared custody," clarifying the responsibilities and arrangements involved in each type. The changes will apply to all custody actions filed on or after July 1, 2025, with the act itself becoming effective on that date. The amendments aim to promote the best interests of children by encouraging shared parenting arrangements while providing clear guidelines for courts to follow.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-2-201