Children's Bill of Rights in a Divorce/Legal Separation
Ten basic rights were established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for children whose parents are divorcing/legally separating or already divorced/separated. They include:
- The right to be treated as an interested and affected person and not as a pawn or possession.
- The right to love each parent without feeling guilt, pressure, or rejection.
- The right to love, care, discipline, and protection from both parents.
- The right to not chose sides or be asked to decide where they want to live.
- The right to express their feelings about the divorce, such as anger, sadness or fear.
- The right to a positive and constructive ongoing relationship with each parent.
- The right to not make adult decisions.
- The right to remain a child, without being asked to take on parental responsibilities or be an adult companion or friend to parents.
- The right to the most adequate level of economic support that can be provided by the best efforts of both parents.
- The right to not participate in the painful games parents play to hurt each other or be put in the middle of their battles.