2019 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 767. Actions affecting the family.
767.855 Dismissal if adjudication not in child's best interest.
767.855 Dismissal if adjudication not in child's best interest. Except as provided in s. 767.863 (1m), at any time in an action to establish the paternity of a child, upon the motion of a party or guardian ad litem, the court or supplemental court commissioner under s. 757.675 (2) (g) may, with respect to a male, refuse to order genetic tests, if genetic tests have not yet been taken, and dismiss the action if the court or supplemental court commissioner determines that a judicial determination of whether the male is the father of the child is not in the best interest of the child.
History: 1997 a. 191; 2001 a. 61; 2005 a. 443 s. 202; Stats. 2005 s. 767.855.
A court may dismiss an action to establish the paternity of a child under this section only if the court has not yet ordered the parties to submit to genetic testing. Randy A. J. v. Norma I. J. 2004 WI 41, 270 Wis. 2d 384, 677 N.W.2d 630, 02-0469.
Parental status that rises to the level of a constitutionally protected liberty interest does not rest solely on biological factors, but rather, is dependent upon an actual relationship with the child where the parent assumes responsibility for the child's emotional and financial needs. Stuart S. v. Heidi R. 2015 WI App 19, 360 Wis. 2d 388, 860 N.W.2d 538, 14-1487.
