The Wyoming Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's decision to terminate the parental rights of Skylar Colten Remer, affecting his ability to care for his minor child, BEP. The ruling, which stems from concerns about Remer's parenting capabilities, emphasizes the importance of child welfare in custody cases.
This case, titled In the Matter of the Termination of Parental Rights To: Bep, Minor Child, Skylar Colten Remer v. State of Wyoming, Ex Rel. Department of Family Services (Docket No. S-26-0033), was filed on September 24, 2026. The court's decision underscores the serious implications of parental neglect and the state's role in protecting children.
Skylar Colten Remer, the father, faced allegations of neglect after his child, BEP, was placed in protective custody shortly after birth. The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) filed a petition to terminate Remer's parental rights, citing his inability to provide adequate care for BEP. The court's ruling is a significant step in ensuring the child's safety and well-being.
The case began when BEP was born in November 2022 and was admitted to the hospital shortly after due to breathing difficulties. Medical staff raised concerns about BEP's mother, who was reportedly unable to provide proper care. By December 2022, the state intervened, and BEP was placed in foster care. The DFS later identified Remer as the legal father, prompting a series of evaluations and efforts aimed at reunification.
Throughout the proceedings, the DFS provided various services to help Remer establish a safe and nurturing environment for BEP. These included counseling, supervised visitation, and parenting coaching. However, despite these efforts, Remer struggled to demonstrate adequate parenting skills and consistently engage with the services offered.
In May 2025, the DFS filed a petition to terminate Remer's parental rights, citing his neglect and failure to comply with the case plan. The allegations included his lack of attendance at medical appointments for BEP, minimal engagement in counseling, and overall instability in his living situation. The court noted that Remer had not shown meaningful change over the two years of the case.
The district court held a two-day hearing in late 2025, during which Remer was in default and unable to present evidence. The court heard testimony from the DFS caseworker, who confirmed the allegations against Remer. On November 12, 2025, the district court issued its order terminating Remer's parental rights, stating, "There was clear and convincing evidence to terminate Father's parental rights under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-2-309(a)(v)."
The Wyoming Supreme Court reviewed the case and affirmed the lower court's decision. The ruling highlighted that the DFS had presented sufficient evidence to support the termination of Remer's parental rights based on his unfitness to care for BEP. The court emphasized that the child's health and safety would be seriously jeopardized if returned to Remer's care.
The court stated, "When the rights of a parent and the rights of a child are on a collision course, the rights of the parent must yield." This statement reflects the court's commitment to prioritizing the welfare of children in custody disputes.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond Remer and BEP. It reinforces the standards for parental fitness in Wyoming and sets a precedent for future cases involving child welfare and parental rights. The decision serves as a reminder of the state's responsibility to protect children from neglect and ensure their well-being.
Moving forward, Remer may have limited options for appealing the decision. The court's ruling is a final determination regarding his parental rights, and any further legal action would require a substantial change in circumstances or new evidence. The case highlights the importance of compliance with case plans and the consequences of neglecting parental responsibilities.
As this case concludes, it serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by families involved in custody disputes and the vital role of state agencies in safeguarding children's welfare.