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WV HB5673
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/17/2026
Primary Sponsor
John Williams
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a statutory right for adult siblings (age 18+) to petition circuit or family courts for visitation with minor siblings residing in West Virginia
- Defines eligible petitioners as blood siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings, or adoptive siblings seeking visitation with children under age 18
- Requires courts to find that visitation is in the best interests of the child and will not substantially interfere with the parent-child relationship before granting visitation
- Lists 13 factors courts must consider, including the child's age, existing sibling relationship, history of abuse or neglect, and parental preferences
- Establishes that siblings who knowingly allow contact between a minor child and someone precluded from visitation face misdemeanor penalties of up to 30 days in jail or fines of $100 to $1,000
Legislative Description
Creating a statutory right to petition circuit and family courts for sibling visitation
Domestic Relations
Last Action
To House Judiciary
2/17/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/17/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available