Wardner v. Porath, et al.

**What Happened:** This case involved a dispute over child custody and visitation rights between parents and a non-parent (likely a grandparent or other relative). The original custody order was made in a different state, but the family had since moved to North Dakota. One parent wanted to change the existing arrangement that allowed the non-parent to have visitation with the child. **What the Court Decided:** The North Dakota court ruled that it had the authority to modify the out-of-state custody order since North Dakota was now the child's home state and the family no longer lived where the original order was made. The court also clarified that when someone who isn't a parent seeks visitation rights, they must prove that allowing the parent to make decisions about contact would harm the child's well-being. **Why This Matters for Workers:** While this case deals with family law rather than employment issues, it's important for working parents to understand their rights when custody disputes cross state lines. Parents who relocate for work need to know that their new home state can modify existing custody arrangements. This can provide clarity and local court access for working parents dealing with complex family situations involving grandparents or other relatives seeking visitation rights.