Wyoming Joint Custody Agreement

JOINT CUSTODY AGREEMENT

STATE OF WYOMING
IN THE DISTRICT COURT
[____] JUDICIAL DISTRICT, [________________________________] COUNTY

In the Matter of the Custody of:

[________________________________], minor child(ren)

[________________________________], Petitioner/Parent A

v.

[________________________________], Respondent/Parent B

Case No.: [________________________________]

ARTICLE I — PARTIES, CHILD(REN), AND STATUTORY FRAMEWORK

1.1 Parent A.
Name: [________________________________]
Residential Address: [________________________________], [________________________________], Wyoming [________]
County of Residence: [________________________________] (Judicial District: [____])
Mailing Address (if different): [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Schedule: [________________________________]

1.2 Parent B.
Name: [________________________________]
Residential Address: [________________________________], [________________________________], Wyoming [________]
County of Residence: [________________________________] (Judicial District: [____])
Mailing Address (if different): [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Schedule: [________________________________]

1.3 Distance Between Parents' Residences: [________________________________] miles
Approximate Travel Time: [________________________________]

1.4 Minor Child(ren).

1.5 Statutory Framework — Wyoming Joint Custody.

This Agreement is entered pursuant to Wyoming law governing joint custody:

(a) Joint Custody Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(d). Wyoming law authorizes the court to order joint custody when it serves the child(ren)'s best interests. Joint custody in Wyoming means both parents share the rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child(ren) and both parents have significant periods of physical custody.

(b) 2025 Shared Custody Presumption (SF0117). Effective July 1, 2025, Wyoming law establishes a rebuttable presumption that shared custody — defined as joint legal custody and joint physical custody where the child(ren) reside with each parent for substantially equal time — is in the child(ren)'s best interests. This presumption applies to all actions to first establish custody filed on or after July 1, 2025.

The presumption may be rebutted where:
(i) The parties agree in writing to a different arrangement;
(ii) One or both parties have been found guilty of domestic violence;
(iii) One or both parties have been found guilty of child abuse, neglect, or mistreatment;
(iv) The parties reside more than 300 miles apart, making shared physical custody impractical; or
(v) Clear and convincing evidence demonstrates that a different arrangement is in the child(ren)'s best interests.

(c) Best Interest Factors (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(a)). The Parents affirm that this joint custody arrangement serves the child(ren)'s best interests considering all eight statutory factors:

(i) Quality of each child's relationship with each parent;
(ii) Each parent's ability to provide adequate care, including arranging care by others;
(iii) Relative competency and fitness of each parent;
(iv) Each parent's willingness to accept parenting responsibilities and relinquish care at specified times;
(v) How parents and child(ren) can best maintain and strengthen relationships;
(vi) How parents and child(ren) interact and communicate;
(vii) Each parent's ability and willingness to allow the other to provide care without intrusion;
(viii) Geographic distance between parents' residences.

(d) No Gender Preference. Pursuant to Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201, the court shall not prefer one parent as custodian solely because of gender.

1.6 Effective Date. This Agreement is effective as of [__/__/____] and shall be filed with the District Court of the [____] Judicial District, [________________________________] County, Wyoming, for incorporation into a court order. The Court retains continuing jurisdiction under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-203 to enforce or modify this Agreement.

ARTICLE II — JOINT LEGAL CUSTODY

2.1 Shared Decision-Making Authority. The Parents shall share joint legal custody equally, as authorized by Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(d). All major decisions regarding the child(ren)'s health, education, and welfare shall be made by mutual agreement after good-faith consultation.

2.2 Major Decisions Requiring Joint Agreement. The following decisions require consultation and agreement by both Parents:

(a) School enrollment, transfers, and educational program changes;
(b) Special education services, IEPs, and Section 504 plans;
(c) Non-emergency medical treatment, surgery, and specialist referrals;
(d) Mental health counseling, therapy, and psychiatric treatment;
(e) Religious upbringing and religious education;
(f) Extracurricular activities involving significant time or financial commitment;
(g) Travel outside Wyoming or outside the United States;
(h) Application for a passport;
(i) Obtaining a driver's license or permit;
(j) Employment for a minor child;
(k) Legal name change.

2.3 Consultation Protocol.
(a) The Parent proposing a major decision shall provide written notice (email or co-parenting app) with relevant details and a reasonable response deadline of no less than seven (7) days (except in urgent situations).
(b) The responding Parent shall respond in writing within the deadline.
(c) If the responding Parent does not respond within the deadline, the proposing Parent may proceed with the decision after documenting the attempt to consult.

2.4 Emergency Decisions. The Parent with physical custody at the time of an emergency may make emergency medical decisions or other decisions necessary to protect the child(ren)'s immediate health or safety. That Parent shall notify the other Parent as soon as practicable and no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the emergency.

2.5 Deadlock Resolution. If the Parents cannot agree on a major decision after good-faith efforts:

Step 1: The Parents shall attempt to resolve the disagreement through an additional direct conversation or exchange of written communications within seven (7) days.

Step 2: If Step 1 fails, the Parents shall submit the dispute to mediation with a qualified Wyoming family mediator within thirty (30) days. Many Wyoming judicial districts require mediation before the court will hear contested custody matters.

Step 3: If mediation fails, either Parent may petition the District Court of the [____] Judicial District, [________________________________] County, Wyoming, for resolution.

ARTICLE III — JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME

3.1 Substantially Equal Time. Consistent with the shared custody framework under Wyoming law, the child(ren) shall reside with each Parent for substantially equal time according to the schedule below.

3.2 Regular Parenting Time Schedule (select one):

☐ Option A — Alternating Weeks (7/7)
Child(ren) reside with Parent A for seven consecutive days, then Parent B for seven consecutive days.
Exchange day: [________________________________]
Exchange time: [____]:00 ☐ AM ☐ PM

☐ Option B — 2-2-3 Rotation
Week 1: Parent A has Monday-Tuesday; Parent B has Wednesday-Thursday; Parent A has Friday-Sunday.
Week 2: Parent B has Monday-Tuesday; Parent A has Wednesday-Thursday; Parent B has Friday-Sunday.

☐ Option C — 5-2-2-5 Schedule
Parent A: Every Monday and Tuesday
Parent B: Every Wednesday and Thursday
Friday through Sunday: Alternating (Parent A in Week 1, Parent B in Week 2)

☐ Option D — Custom Schedule
Parent A's time: [________________________________]
Parent B's time: [________________________________]

3.3 Exchange Logistics.

Exchange location: [________________________________]
☐ Parent A's residence ☐ Parent B's residence ☐ Child(ren)'s school ☐ Neutral location: [________________________________]

Transportation: ☐ Receiving parent picks up ☐ Delivering parent drops off ☐ Shared (each drives one way) ☐ Other: [________________________________]

3.4 Wyoming Geography and Weather Provisions. Wyoming's vast distances (97,813 square miles, population approximately 580,000) and severe winter weather necessitate practical accommodations:

(a) Weather Delays. If WYDOT reports road closures or hazardous conditions on the travel route (check wyoroad.info or call 511), the exchange may be delayed until conditions improve. The delayed Parent shall notify the other Parent immediately. Make-up time shall be provided.

(b) Midpoint Exchange. If the Parents reside in different communities, exchanges may occur at the following midpoint: [________________________________]

(c) Long-Distance Modifications. If the Parents' residences exceed 100 miles apart, the following special provisions apply to minimize the child(ren)'s travel burden: [________________________________]

(d) Winter Vehicle Safety. The parent transporting the child(ren) shall ensure the vehicle is equipped with appropriate winter gear (winter tires, emergency supplies) when traveling between October and April.

3.5 Holiday Schedule. Holidays supersede the regular schedule and alternate annually:

Fixed Annually:

• Mother's Day Weekend: With Mother
• Father's Day Weekend: With Father
• Each child's birthday: ☐ Alternating ☐ Shared celebration ☐ Other: [________________________________]

Wyoming-Specific Considerations:

• Hunting season openings (elk, deer, antelope — September through November): [________________________________]
• County fair week: [________________________________]
• Rodeo season events: [________________________________]

3.6 Summer Schedule.

☐ Same as school-year schedule.
☐ Modified schedule: Each Parent shall have [____] uninterrupted weeks during summer with at least thirty (30) days' advance written notice. Remaining summer time follows the regular schedule.

3.7 Vacation.
Each Parent shall be entitled to [____] weeks of vacation time per year with the child(ren), with at least thirty (30) days' advance written notice. Vacation time supersedes the regular schedule. The Parent on vacation shall provide the other Parent with an itinerary, contact information, and emergency contact details.

3.8 Right of First Refusal.
If either Parent is unavailable to care for the child(ren) for more than [____] consecutive hours during their parenting time, that Parent shall first offer the time to the other Parent before arranging third-party childcare.

ARTICLE IV — COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SHARING

4.1 Parent-to-Parent Communication. Parents shall communicate about the child(ren) through:

☐ Telephone ☐ Text message ☐ Email ☐ Co-parenting application: [________________________________]

All communication shall be respectful, child-focused, and businesslike.

4.2 Parent-to-Child Communication. The Parent not exercising parenting time may communicate with the child(ren) by telephone or video call:

Schedule: [________________________________]
The custodial Parent shall facilitate this contact and shall not monitor or restrict reasonable communication. In areas of Wyoming with limited cellular or internet service, the Parents shall make reasonable accommodations.

4.3 Information Sharing and Records Access. Both Parents shall have full and equal access to:

• School records, report cards, progress reports, and teacher conference schedules;
• Medical, dental, vision, and mental health records and provider information;
• Extracurricular activity schedules, coaches, and contact information;
• Childcare provider information.

Both Parents shall be listed as emergency contacts and authorized to pick up the child(ren) at school and childcare facilities.

4.4 Notification Requirements. Each Parent shall promptly notify the other of:
(a) Any emergency, serious illness, or injury involving the child(ren);
(b) Any change of address, telephone number, or email;
(c) Any involvement with law enforcement or child protective services;
(d) Any school disciplinary action;
(e) Any planned change in household composition.

4.5 Non-Disparagement. Neither Parent shall make negative or disparaging remarks about the other Parent, the other Parent's family, or the other Parent's household in the presence or hearing of the child(ren). Neither Parent shall discuss the details of legal proceedings with the child(ren).

ARTICLE V — DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SAFETY PROVISIONS

5.1 Statutory Provision. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(c), the court shall consider evidence of spousal abuse or child abuse as contrary to the best interests of the child(ren). If the court finds that family violence has occurred, the court shall make visitation arrangements that best protect the child(ren) and the abused parent.

5.2 Under the 2025 shared custody presumption (SF0117), the presumption of shared custody is rebutted if either party has been found guilty of domestic violence or child abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.

5.3 Disclosures.

☐ Neither Parent has any history of domestic violence, abuse, or protective orders.
☐ The following history is disclosed: [________________________________]

5.4 Substance Use. Neither Parent shall consume alcohol to the point of impairment or use illegal substances during parenting time or within twelve (12) hours preceding parenting time.

5.5 Firearms Safety. Wyoming has a strong outdoor and hunting heritage. All firearms in either parent's household shall be stored unloaded in a locked gun safe or cabinet with ammunition stored separately, inaccessible to the child(ren).

5.6 Supervision of Dangerous Activities. Wyoming's outdoor environment presents unique considerations. The child(ren) shall be appropriately supervised during:

• Horseback riding, ATV/UTV use, and snowmobile operation;
• Hunting and fishing (age-appropriate and with required licenses/certifications);
• Swimming, boating, and water activities;
• Winter sports and backcountry activities.

ARTICLE VI — RELOCATION

6.1 Notice Requirement. Either Parent who plans to move to another city or state of residence shall provide written notice to the other Parent and to the Court at least thirty (30) days prior to the move, as required by Wyoming law.

6.2 300-Mile Threshold. Under the 2025 shared custody presumption (SF0117), if the Parents' residences are or will be more than 300 miles apart, the shared physical custody presumption is rebutted as impractical. The Parents shall negotiate a revised custody arrangement in good faith.

6.3 Impact on Joint Custody. Any relocation that substantially affects the joint custody arrangement — including relocations within Wyoming given the state's vast distances — may constitute grounds for modification under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-204(c). Either Parent may petition the Court if the Parents cannot agree on revised arrangements.

6.4 Contents of Relocation Notice. The notice shall include:
(a) Proposed new address;
(b) Date of intended move;
(c) Reason for the move;
(d) Proposed revised parenting schedule;
(e) Proposed school district for the child(ren).

ARTICLE VII — PARENTING EDUCATION

7.1 Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201, the Court may at any time require parents to attend appropriate parenting classes, including classes to lessen the effects of divorce on children.

☐ Both Parents have completed a court-approved parenting education course.
Program: [________________________________] Dates: Parent A: [__/__/____] Parent B: [__/__/____]

☐ The Court has ordered parenting education. Completion deadline: [__/__/____]

☐ Not applicable / not ordered.

ARTICLE VIII — DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ENFORCEMENT

8.1 Direct Communication. Parents shall first attempt to resolve disputes through respectful direct communication.

8.2 Mediation. If direct communication fails, Parents shall submit the dispute to mediation with a qualified Wyoming family mediator before seeking court intervention. Mediation costs shall be divided: ☐ Equally ☐ Pro rata based on income ☐ Other: [________________________________]

8.3 Court Action. Either Parent may file a motion in the District Court of the [____] Judicial District, [________________________________] County, Wyoming, to enforce or modify this Agreement. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-203, a certified copy of the custody order must be attached to any enforcement or modification petition.

8.4 Contempt. Willful violation of this Agreement may result in contempt of court proceedings, including sanctions, attorney's fees, and modification of custody.

8.5 Attorney's Fees. The prevailing party in any enforcement proceeding may be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs, subject to Court approval.

8.6 Emergency Relief. Nothing in this Article limits either Parent's right to seek emergency or injunctive relief to protect the child(ren).

ARTICLE IX — GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by Wyoming family law, including Wyo. Stat. §§ 20-2-201 through 20-2-205 and the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure.

9.2 Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by (a) written agreement of both Parents approved by the Court, or (b) Court order upon a showing of material change in circumstances under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-204(c). The two-step analysis of Pace v. Pace, 22 P.3d 861 (Wyo. 2001) applies.

9.3 Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force.

9.4 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding regarding joint custody and supersedes all prior agreements.

9.5 Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature.

9.6 Annual Review. Parents agree to review this Agreement annually and modify it as necessary by mutual written agreement filed with the Court.

EXECUTION

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parents have executed this Joint Custody Agreement.

PARENT A:

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

PARENT B:

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

VERIFICATION

STATE OF WYOMING )
) ss.
County of [________________________________] )

I, [________________________________], being first duly sworn, state under penalty of perjury that I am a party to this Agreement and the statements herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: [________________________________]
Subscribed and sworn to before me on [__/__/____].

[________________________________]
Notary Public, State of Wyoming
My Commission Expires: [__/__/____]

ORDER APPROVING JOINT CUSTODY AGREEMENT

The District Court of the [____] Judicial District, [________________________________] County, Wyoming, having reviewed this Joint Custody Agreement and finding:

1. Joint custody is in the best interests of the minor child(ren) under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(a) and (d);
2. The Agreement is consistent with the shared custody presumption under 2025 Wyo. Sess. Laws SF0117 (if applicable);
3. The Agreement is voluntary, not the product of coercion, and adequately addresses the child(ren)'s health, safety, and welfare;
4. The terms of custody are well defined to promote understanding and compliance as required by Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-202;

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this Joint Custody Agreement is APPROVED and incorporated into this Court's Order. Both Parents shall comply with all terms.

Date: [__/__/____]

[________________________________]
District Court Judge
[____] Judicial District
State of Wyoming

Sources and References

• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(a) — Eight statutory best interest factors
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(c) — Domestic violence; court must consider spousal/child abuse as contrary to best interests
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201(d) — Joint custody authorization
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-201 — No gender preference in custody determinations
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-202 — Custody orders in well-defined terms; parenting plan
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-203 — Continuing jurisdiction; certified copy requirement for modification/enforcement petitions
• Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-204(c) — Modification standard: material change in circumstances plus best interests
• 2025 Wyo. Sess. Laws SF0117 — Rebuttable presumption of shared custody (eff. July 1, 2025); joint legal and joint physical with substantially equal time; exceptions for DV, abuse, 300+ miles, written agreement, or clear and convincing evidence
• Pace v. Pace, 22 P.3d 861 (Wyo. 2001) — Two-step modification analysis
• Wyoming Judicial Branch — 9 judicial districts, 23 counties, forms at www.wyocourts.gov