Wisconsin Wisconsin

Child Visitation Laws

Visitation General Information

What is child visitation?

In the context of a child custody case, visitation is defined as the rights for a non-custodial parent to see their child, or as temporary custody that's been granted for a period of time to an otherwise non-custodial parent or relative.

In general, courts in Wisconsin assume that it is beneficial for both biological parents of a child to have shared custody or visitation, unless it is shown to be against the child's best interests. A biological parent who is denied custody may be awarded visitation rights to provide for a relationship between the parent and child.

Visitation by grandparents, family members, or other third-parties is less clear cut in Wisconsin, and nationwide. While there are state guidelines regarding third-party visitation in certain situations, these laws are frequently challenged.

Above all else, courts in Wisconsin strive to make custody and visitation decisions that are "in the best interests of the child". The court handling each individual visitation case has significant flexibility in determining what arrangement is in the child's best interests. You can read about Wisconsin's visitation guildelines on this page.




Wisconsin Child Visitation Summary

How are Visitation Rights Granted?

Wisconsin law states that a biological parent of a minor child may request visitation rights as part of an open divorce, parentage or custody case or may file a petition for visitation in none of these circumstances apply.

The court will decide a request for visitation based on whether granting a parent visitation would be in the "best interests of the child" if it aids in developing a child's well being, contributes to a stable environment and complies with the child's wishes.

Grandparent visitation rights may be granted if there is a relationship between the grandparent and grandchild or if one of the child's parents is deceased. Any award of grandparent visitation must be in the best interests of the child.

Wisconsin Child Visitation For Grandparents, Relatives, and Third Parties

In the state of Wisconsin, there are a number of laws regarding child visitation regarding visitation for third-parties other than the biological parents of the child. While state laws regarding third-party visitation have been frequently been challenged in courts, they are a good indication of Wisconsin's positions regarding non-parental visitation rights.


Visitation Rights Of Grandparents In Wisconsin:

Wisconsin has special statutes regarding the child visitiation rights of grandparents under different circumstances. Under state law, the grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are alive, regardless of the parent's marital status.

Grandparents, Visitation In General

✓ YES

Grandparents, After Death Of Parent

✓ YES

Grandparents, After Divorce Of Parent

✗ NO

Grandparents, Parent Never Married

✓ YES

Regardless of state presumptions regarding grandparent's visitation rights under specific circumstances, a Wisconsin court may allow or prevent visitation rights in any situation based on the best interests of the child.


Visitation Rights Of Other Parties In Wisconsin:

Are step-parents granted visitation rights in the state of Wisconsin?

Generally it is an uphill battle for step-parents seeking visitation rights for a step-child, especially if the biological parents of the child are alive and are opposed to the visitation.

Under Wisconsin law, legal provisions do exist to grant child visitation rights to step-parents under certain circumstances, so visitation can be readily applied for. In all cases, third-party visitation rights are more likely to be granted by the court if they are deemed to be in the best interests of the child.


Can other interested parties or relatives be granted visitation rights to a child in Wisconsin?

Under state of Wisconsin law, it is not generally possible for any other interested party other than those specified to be granted child visitation rights. In rare cases this may be overruled by the court.


Can parents be granted visitation rights after termination of parental rights or adoption in Wisconsin?

In the state of Wisconsin it may not be possible to be granted visitation rights after losing parental rights or giving up a child for adoption. This is the case with both biological parents and previous guardians.



| State Law Official Text


** This Document Provided By MaritalLaws **
Source: http://www.maritallaws.com/states/wisconsin/visitation