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Best Interests of the Child
by: Wyoming Legal Services - Casper Office
Q.	What does "best interests of the child" mean?

A.	When someone wants custody of a child the courts look to see if it is the child's best interest to be with that person. This is also true if someone wants visitation.

Q.	How do I know what the courts will say about me?

A.	You can't know for sure what a judge will say about you. Wyoming law talks about the things a judge will look at in deciding. If you want to read this law, click here, then scroll to and click on Wyoming Statutes, then scroll to WS 20-2-201.

Q.	What is in the best interests of the child?

A.	Under the law, a child deserves to be with adults that can take good care of the child. These things make you able to care for a child: being healthy in body and mind. being able to meet the child's needs for food, shelter, medical care and safety. if you have visitation you only have to be able to meet the child's needs during the time you are with the child.

Q.	Is there anything else I should know?

A.	The law also looks at how well you get along with the other adults in the child's life. The law expects that you will: cooperate with the other adults in the child's life. help the child to have strong, loving relationships with other adults in the family, and respect the privacy of these other adults.

Q.	Does the court always award custody to the mother?

A.	No. Custody can be awarded to either the mother the father both the mother and the father


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	Last Reviewed On: 07/31/07

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