Wis. court: Partner doesn’t owe child support

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state appeals court says a woman who separated from her same-sex partner doesn’t have to pay child support, and still has visitation rights with her partner’s biological child whom they raised together.

Belva Bowden had been in a committed relationship with Amy Korslin for several years. In 1998 Korslin gave birth to a daughter who grew up considering Bowden a second mother.

The couple parted in 2006, and both women agreed to split custody and expenses equally. Two years later Korslin told Bowden she should only get visitation rights every other weekend. Bowden sued.

A lower court ordered granted limited visitation rights and ordered Bowden to pay child support. But the appeals court said Thursday the lower court lacks authority to impose child support. It also restored a set visitation schedule.