Opinion ID: 2634467
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Temporary Modification of Child Visitation

Text: [¶ 16] At the time of the contempt hearing, Mother's petition to modify child visitation and child support was pending. While it is unfortunate that the district court's order temporarily modifying Father's visitation with his minor children was founded within the context of contempt, the district court retained jurisdiction to enter temporary orders which the district court found to be in the best interests of the minor children regarding Mother's petition. Hence, we would affirm the portion of the district court's order that modified Father's visitation with his minor children. As clearly stated in the district court's order, Father's modified visitation requiring him to have supervised visits with his minor children at Mother's residence was merely temporary pending formal hearing on Mother's petition. Indeed, the district court even went further to particularly specify that Mother should not treat the ordered visitation modification as a victory and admonished Mother not to characterize it as such with the children. [¶ 17] As set forth above, courts maintain subject matter jurisdiction to enforce or modify decrees. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 20-2-203(a). This statute provides a court with subject matter jurisdiction to enforce or modify a final decree concerning the care, custody, and visitation of the children as the circumstances of the parents and needs of the children require on either a temporary or permanent basis. Id. See also Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 20-2-201, -202, and -204. [¶ 18] Hence, while we reverse the order of the district court finding Father in contempt, we affirm the district court's order temporarily modifying Father's visitation with the children pending formal hearing on Mother's petition, holding that the district court had jurisdiction to do so outside any contempt proceeding.