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WI SB522
WI SB522The appointment of a guardian ad litem in a proceeding to grant reasonable visitation rights to a nonparent. (FE)
summary
Introduced
10/09/2025
10/09/2025
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill permits a court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a minor child in an action affecting the family where a petition for visitation rights has been filed by a grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, or person who has maintained a relationship similar to a parent-child relationship with the child. In any such filing where the petitioner has pled a prima facie case for visitation, the bill requires the court to appoint a GAL for the minor child. Under current law, a court is required to appoint a GAL for a minor child in an action affecting the family if the court has reason for special concern as to the welfare of the child or, with certain exceptions, if legal custody or physical placement of the child is contested. Current law also allows appointment of a GAL for a minor child if legal custody or physical placement is stipulated to be with any person or agency other than a parent of the child or, if at the time of the action, the child is in the legal custody of or physically placed with a person or agency other than the child[s parent. LRB-4855/2 MDE:ajk 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 522 For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Wisconsin law regarding the appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL), which is a legal representative appointed by a court to protect the best interests of a minor child during legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill allows a court to appoint a GAL in family law cases involving petitions for visitation rights from grandparents, great-grandparents, stepparents, or other individuals with a close parent-like relationship to the child. Under the new provision, if the petitioner can establish a prima facie case (a legally sufficient initial showing of evidence) for visitation, the court is required to appoint a GAL for the minor child. This represents an expansion of current law, which previously limited GAL appointments to cases with specific welfare concerns or contested custody arrangements. The bill will apply to all petitions for visitation rights filed on or after its effective date, providing an additional layer of legal protection and representation for children in visitation proceedings.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (10)
André Jacque (R)*,
Cory Tomczyk (R)*,
David Armstrong (R),
Robert Brooks (R),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Paul Melotik (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
William Penterman (R),
Chuck Wichgers (R),
Last Action
Received from Senate (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb522 |
| SB522 ROCP for Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families On 2/3/2026 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/mental_health_substance_abuse_prevention_children_and_families/1970125.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB522: Fiscal Estimate From DCF | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb522/sb522_dcf.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB522.pdf |
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