Where To Find Family Court Records In Wyoming?

Wyoming has nine different judicial districts, and every judicial district has a circuit court and a district court. The district court hears all family-related cases and keeps records of files regarding family disputes. The Wyoming family court system handles child custody, separation, divorces, adoption, domestic violence, child visitation, spousal support, and child support. Interested persons can access Wyoming family court records and make copies by contacting the Clerk of the District Court of each county.

The records contained in documents related to family court include both marriage and divorce records. Both types of records contain information that is considered very personal to the parties involved, and it is recommended that those parties maintain these records with care in order to make changes in the future. The personal nature of these records results in both being considerably more difficult to find and obtain when compared to other types of public records. In many cases, these records are not available through either government sources or third party public record websites.

What Is Family Law In Wyoming?

Wyoming family law is a judicial practice concentrating on family relationships such as child custody, divorces, adoption, domestic violence, and juvenile delinquency. Family cases are quite emotional, and it is advisable to get a well-grounded family law attorney for representation in court proceedings or anything associated with negotiations. These attorneys also help draft binding contracts, property documents, petitions, and other legal agreements to aid the family case. Wyoming’s Family Statutes fall into seven different chapters:

Chapter 1. Husband and wife (§§ 20–1–101—20–1–202)

Chapter 2. Dissolution of marriage (§§ 20–2–101—20–2–406)

Chapter 3. Desertion of spouse or children (§§ 20–3–101—20–3–105)

Chapter 4. Uniform interstate family support act (§§ 20–4–101—20–4–213)

Chapter 5. Child custody (§§ 20–5–101—20–5–502)

Chapter 6. Child support enforcement (§§ 20–6–101—20–6–402)

Chapter 7. Rights to Visitation (§§ 20–7–101—20–7–102)

What Are Family Court Cases And Records In Wyoming?

Family court cases include matters concerning separation, divorces, adoption, domestic violence, child visitation, and other family-related issues. The district court that heard the case maintains family court records. Domestic cases heard in Wyoming district courts are:

Child Custody: Child custody is decided based on several factors, and the court takes into account each parent’s income, mental health, physical health, location to arrive at a conclusion that’s in the best interest of the child. The court makes a parent the child’s primary custodian and allows the other parent to visit from time to time. The family court will not allow unsupervised parental visits if there is a cause to believe the child’s safety is at risk. However, the court encourages both parents to have a mutual understanding so that making important decisions concerning the child will not be a challenge.

Adoption: There are several types of families seeking to adopt in Wyoming, including unmarried people and same-sex couples. However, family law has several rules and regulations surrounding adoption. To gain legal custody of a child in Wyoming, interested persons must be above 21, have a clean criminal record, no case of substance abuse, and be in good physical and emotional health. The family court is likely to grant adoptions favorable to the child.

Divorce: When a couple decides to get a divorce, several steps follow, including the sharing of properties, paying debts, and child custody. Sometimes, couples who cannot reach an agreement or do not want to be confronted by the other person seek judgment from the court. Partners with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements might still need the family court to uphold the deal.

Are Family Court Cases Public Records In Wyoming?

According to the Wyoming Sunshine Law, government records are available to the general public to examine and make copies. However, the court seals vital records and some family court records from the public until 50 years after the case concludes. Only the registrant (of legal adult age), individuals with court-ordered guardianship, parents or legal guardian(s) named on the record, and the registrant’s lawyer can access Wyoming birth records. Death records can be gotten only by the family members and legal representatives of the deceased or a person with a court order.

Either party and the attorneys involved can only access Wyoming divorce documents. After 50 years, files from divorce cases are no longer restricted and are available to the general public through Wyoming’s Vital Statistics Service by completing the Divorce Record Request Form.

How Do I Find Family Court Records In Wyoming?

Interested persons can send written requests by mail or visit the County Clerk’s office to obtain family court records. The Clerk Office may require identification such as government-issued photo ID, utility bills, and a fee payable by money order or credit card. Requirements to retrieve files from family cases include:

• County of origin
• Docket or case number
• File type
• Name on the case

How Do I Find Family Court Records Online?

The Wyoming State Archives has an online repository for family court records generated by each county’s court systems. Before using the electronic medium, interested persons must contact the relevant court to obtain specific information such as a docket or case number. Family court records filed 50 years ago can be accessed through the State Archives. However, the State Archives may charge access fees. Additionally, each district court in Wyoming has an online database where parties may retrieve family court records.

Divorce and marriage records may be available through government sources and organizations, though their availability cannot be guaranteed. This is also true of their availability through third-party websites and companies, as these organizations are not government-sponsored and record availability may vary further. Finally, marriage and divorce records are considered extremely private due to the information they contain, and are often sealed. Bearing these factors in mind, record availability for these types of records cannot be guaranteed.

What Is Wyoming Custody Law?

According to Wyoming Statute Chapter 20–2–112, during divorce proceedings, the court has legal rights to enforce its orders concerning alimony, property, and child custody issues. Furthermore, the law states that a child can be legally kept away from the other spouse if assessed evidence indicates domestic violence has occurred. In such cases, the court makes preparations for visitation during temporary custody to best protect the abused child and the abused partner from further injury.

Child custody records fall under the category of files exempted from public access in Wyoming. It contains delicate and personal information of minors such as residential address and medical data. The ombudsman is the chief custodian of public and confidential records in Wyoming, as stated by the State of Wyoming statute Chapter 16–4–201.

How To Find Family Court Lawyers In Wyoming?

Persons involved in family issues can seek expert family lawyer from the County Clerk in person, by mail, or by telephone. The State Bar of Wyoming also has a Lawyer Referral Directory for family court cases. The Lawyer Referral Directory provides an updated list of Wyoming licensed lawyers with profiles, consultation fees, and contact details. There are also non-profit law firms available for candidates of the low-income group. Interested parties are required to provide name, email, and the specific type of lawyer needed.