Parental Rights in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Parental Rights News

Parental Rights Event Coming to Chicago Area

October 4, 2017

Get Your Questions Answered & Network with Others! Date: Sunday, October 22, from 2 to 4:45 pm (CDT) Free Tickets: Free tickets are available. Register now. Location: Bellwood Public Library, 600 Bohland Avenue, Bellwood, IL The proposed Parental Rights Amendment will be featured at an upcoming parental rights gathering at the Bellwood Public Library, 600…

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Wisconsin State Law and Parental Rights

At Risk

Wisconsin does not have a state statute that explicitly defines and protects parental rights as fundamental rights.

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Wisconsin Courts and Parental Rights

Affirming

However, this precedent is subject to change.

Barstad v. Frazier, 348 N.W.2d 479 (Wis. 1984), cited in Cynthia H. v. Joshua O. (In re Guardianship of Clive R.O.), 777 N.W.2d 664, 675 (Wis. Ct. App. 2009):

"[A] parent is entitled to custody of his or her children unless the parent is either unfit or unable to care for the *674 children or there are compelling reasons for awarding custody to a third party. Compelling reasons include abandonment, persistent neglect of parental responsibilities, extended disruption of parental custody, or other similar extraordinary circumstances that would drastically affect the welfare of the child. If the court finds such compelling reasons, it may award custody to a third party if the best interests of the children would be promoted thereby."