An Eastern Wisconsin Senator’s bill focused on visitation rights has passed a Senate committee vote.
Senate Bill 522, authored by Senator Andre Jacque, unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families.
Under current law, a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interest in family court situations.
SB 522 will eliminate confusion in current law by allowing a court to appoint a GAL when a non-parent petitions for visitation rights, such as a stepparent or grandparent, who has maintained a parent-child relationship with a child.
Sen. Jacque noted, “This bill will provide the courts with important guidance and allow for competing interests to be properly assessed while still serving the best interest of the child and giving them an advocate in family court proceedings.”
