Illinois UCCJEA
750 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 36/101 et seq.
§ 750 ILCS 36/101. Short Title
Sec. 101. Short Title. This Act may be cited as the Uniform Child-Custody
Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
§ 750 ILCS 36/102. Definitions
Sec. 102. Definitions. In this Act:
(1) "Abandoned" means left without provision for reasonable and
necessary care or supervision.
(2) "Child" means an individual who has not attained 18 years of
age.
(3) "Child-custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or
other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or
visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary,
initial, and modification order. The term does not include an order relating to
child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.
(4) "Child-custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal
custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is an issue.
The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse,
dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and
protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear. The term does
not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual
emancipation, or enforcement under Article 3.
(5) "Commencement" means the filing of the first pleading in a
proceeding.
(6) "Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state
to establish, enforce, or modify a child-custody determination.
(7) "Home state" means the state in which a child lived with a
parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six consecutive months
immediately before the commencement of a child-custody proceeding. In the case
of a child less than six months of age, the term means the state in which the
child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary
absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.
(8) "Initial determination" means the first child-custody
determination concerning a particular child.
(9) "Issuing court" means the court that makes a child-custody
determination for which enforcement is sought under this Act.
(10) "Issuing state" means the state in which a child-custody
determination is made.
(11) "Modification" means a child-custody determination that
changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous
determination concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by the court
that made the previous determination.
(12) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust,
estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint
venture, government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality;
public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity.
(13) "Person acting as a parent" means a person, other than a
parent, who:
(A) has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody
for a period of six consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within
one year immediately before the commencement of a child-custody proceeding; and
(B) has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right
to legal custody under the law of this State.
(14) "Physical custody" means the physical care and supervision
of a child.
(15) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or
insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(16) "Tribe" means an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan Native
village, which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.
(17) "Warrant" means an order issued by a court authorizing law
enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.
§ 750 ILCS 36/103. Proceedings Governed By Other Law
Sec. 103. Proceedings Governed By Other Law. This Act does not govern an
adoption proceeding or a proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency
medical care for a child.
§ 750 ILCS 36/104. Application To Indian Tribes
Sec. 104. Application To Indian Tribes. (a) A child-custody proceeding that
pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C.
1901 et seq., is not subject to this Act to the extent that it is governed by
the Indian Child Welfare Act.
(b) A court of this State shall treat a tribe as if it were a
state of the United States for the purpose of applying Articles 1 and 2.
(c) A child-custody determination made by a tribe under factual
circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of
this Act must be recognized and enforced under Article 3.
§ 750 ILCS 36/105. International Application Of Act
Sec. 105. International Application Of Act. (a) A court of this State shall
treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the
purpose of applying Articles 1 and 2.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a
child-custody determination made in a foreign country under factual
circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of
this Act must be recognized and enforced under Article 3.
(c) A court of this State need not apply this Act if the child
custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human
rights.
§ 750 ILCS 36/106. Effect Of Child-Custody Determination
Sec. 106. Effect Of Child-Custody Determination. A child-custody determination
made by a court of this State that had jurisdiction under this Act binds all
persons who have been served in accordance with the laws of this State or
notified in accordance with Section 108 [750 ILCS 36/108] or who have submitted
to the jurisdiction of the court, and who have been given an opportunity to be
heard. As to those persons, the determination is conclusive as to all decided
issues of law and fact except to the extent the determination is modified.
§ 750 ILCS 36/107. Priority
Sec. 107. Priority. If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction
under this Act is raised in a child-custody proceeding, the question, upon
request of a party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled
expeditiously.
§ 750 ILCS 36/108. Notice To Persons Outside State
Sec. 108. Notice To Persons Outside State. (a) Notice required for the exercise
of jurisdiction when a person is outside this State may be given in a manner
prescribed by the law of this State for service of process or by the law of the
state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably
calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are
not effective.
(b) Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the
law of this State or by the law of the state in which the service is made.
(c) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with
respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
§ 750 ILCS 36/109. Appearance And Limited Immunity
Sec. 109. Appearance And Limited Immunity. (a) A party to a child-custody
proceeding, including a modification proceeding, or a petitioner or respondent
in a proceeding to enforce or register a child-custody determination, is not
subject to personal jurisdiction in this State for another proceeding or purpose
solely by reason of having participated, or of having been physically present
for the purpose of participating, in the proceeding.
(b) A person who is subject to personal jurisdiction in this
State on a basis other than physical presence is not immune from service of
process in this State. A party present in this State who is subject to the
jurisdiction of another state is not immune from service of process allowable
under the laws of that state.
(c) The immunity granted by subsection (a) does not extend to
civil litigation based on acts unrelated to the participation in a proceeding
under this Act committed by an individual while present in this State.
§ 750 ILCS 36/110. Communication Between Courts
Sec. 110. Communication Between Courts. (a) A court of this State may
communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under
this Act.
(b) The court may allow the parties to participate in the
communication. If the parties are not able to participate in the communication,
they must be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a
decision on jurisdiction is made.
(c) Communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court
records, and similar matters may occur without informing the parties. A record
need not be made of the communication.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a record must
be made of a communication under this Section. The parties must be informed
promptly of the communication and granted access to the record.
(e) For the purposes of this Section, "record" means information
that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or
other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
§ 750 ILCS 36/111. Taking Testimony In Another State
Sec. 111. Taking Testimony In Another State. (a) In addition to other procedures
available to a party, a party to a child-custody proceeding may offer testimony
of witnesses who are located in another state, including testimony of the
parties and the child, by deposition or other means allowable in this State for
testimony taken in another state. The court on its own motion may order that the
testimony of a person be taken in another state and may prescribe the manner in
which and the terms upon which the testimony is taken.
(b) A court of this State may permit an individual residing in
another state to be deposed or to testify by telephone, audiovisual means, or
other electronic means before a designated court or at another location in that
state. A court of this State shall cooperate with courts of other states in
designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.
(c) Documentary evidence transmitted from another state to a
court of this State by technological means that do not produce an original
writing may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of
transmission.
§ 750 ILCS 36/112. Cooperation Between Courts; Preservation Of Records
Sec. 112. Cooperation Between Courts; Preservation Of Records. (a) A court of
this State may request the appropriate court of another state to:
(1) hold an evidentiary hearing;
(2) order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to
procedures of that state;
(3) order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody
of a child involved in a pending proceeding;
(4) forward to the court of this State a certified copy of the
transcript of the record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented, and
any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and
(5) order a party to a child-custody proceeding or any person
having physical custody of the child to appear in the proceeding with or without
the child.
(b) Upon request of a court of another state, a court of this
State may hold a hearing or enter an order described in subsection (a).
(c) Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred
under subsections (a) and (b) may be assessed against the parties according to
the law of this State.
(d) A court of this State shall preserve the pleadings, orders,
decrees, records of hearings, evaluations, and other pertinent records with
respect to a child-custody proceeding until the child attains 18 years of age.
Upon appropriate request by a court or law enforcement official of another
state, the court shall forward a certified copy of those records.
§ 750 ILCS 36/201. Initial Child-Custody Jurisdiction
Sec. 201. Initial Child-Custody Jurisdiction. (a) Except as otherwise provided
in Section 204 [750 ILCS 36/204], a court of this State has jurisdiction to make
an initial child-custody determination only if:
(1) this State is the home state of the child on the date of the
commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six
months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from
this State but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this
State;
(2) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under
paragraph (1), or a court of the home state of the child has declined to
exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this State is the more appropriate
forum under Section 207 or 208 [750 ILCS 36/207 or 750 ILCS 36/208], and:
(A) the child and the child's parents, or the child and at
least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection
with this State other than mere physical presence; and
(B) substantial evidence is available in this State concerning
the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;
(3) all courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2)
have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this State
is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under
Section 207 or 208 [750 ILCS 36/207 or 750 ILCS 36/208]; or
(4) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the
criteria specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
(b) Subsection (a) is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for
making a child-custody determination by a court of this State.
(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party
or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child-custody determination.
§ 750 ILCS 36/202. Exclusive, Continuing Jurisdiction
Sec. 202. Exclusive, Continuing Jurisdiction. (a) Except as otherwise provided
in Section 204 [750 ILCS 36/204], a court of this State which has made a
child-custody determination consistent with Section 201 or 203 [750 ILCS 36/201
or 750 ILCS 36/203] has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the
determination until:
(1) a court of this State determines that neither the child, the
child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not have a significant
connection with this State and that substantial evidence is no longer available
in this State concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal
relationships; or
(2) a court of this State or a court of another state determines
that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not
presently reside in this State.
(b) A court of this State which has made a child-custody
determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this
Section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an
initial determination under Section 201 [750 ILCS 36/201].
§ 750 ILCS 36/203. Jurisdiction To Modify Determination
Sec. 203. Jurisdiction To Modify Determination. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 204 [750 ILCS 36/204], a court of this State may not modify a
child-custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of
this State has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under Section
201(a)(1) or (2) [750 ILCS 36/201] and:
(1) the court of the other state determines it no longer has
exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under Section 202 [750 ILCS 36/202] or that a
court of this State would be a more convenient forum under Section 207 [750 ILCS
36/207]; or
(2) a court of this State or a court of the other state
determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a
parent do not presently reside in the other state.
§ 750 ILCS 36/204. Temporary Emergency Jurisdiction
Sec. 204. Temporary Emergency Jurisdiction. (a) A court of this State has
temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this State and the
child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child
because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or
threatened with mistreatment or abuse.
(b) If there is no previous child-custody determination that is
entitled to be enforced under this Act and a child-custody proceeding has not
been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 201
through 203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS 36/203], a child-custody
determination made under this Section remains in effect until an order is
obtained from a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 201 through
203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS 36/203]. If a child-custody proceeding has
not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under
Sections 201 through 203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS 36/203], a
child-custody determination made under this Section becomes a final
determination, if it so provides and this State becomes the home state of the
child.
(c) If there is a previous child-custody determination that is
entitled to be enforced under this Act, or a child-custody proceeding has been
commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 201 through
203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS 36/203], any order issued by a court of
this State under this Section must specify in the order a period that the court
considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order to obtain an order from
the state having jurisdiction under Sections 201 through 203 [750 ILCS 36/201
through 750 ILCS 36/203]. The order issued in this State remains in effect until
an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the
period expires.
(d) A court of this State which has been asked to make a
child-custody determination under this Section, upon being informed that a
child-custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child-custody determination
has been made by, a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 201
through 203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS 36/203], shall immediately
communicate with the other court. A court of this State which is exercising
jurisdiction pursuant to Sections 201 through 203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750
ILCS 36/203], upon being informed that a child-custody proceeding has been
commenced in, or a child-custody determination has been made by, a court of
another state under a statute similar to this Section shall immediately
communicate with the court of that state to resolve the emergency, protect the
safety of the parties and the child, and determine a period for the duration of
the temporary order.
§ 750 ILCS 36/205. Notice; Opportunity To Be Heard; Joinder
Sec. 205. Notice; Opportunity To Be Heard; Joinder. (a) Before a child-custody
determination is made under this Act, notice and an opportunity to be heard in
accordance with the standards of Section 108 [750 ILCS 36/108] must be given to
all persons entitled to notice under the law of this State as in child-custody
proceedings between residents of this State, any parent whose parental rights
have not been previously terminated, and any person having physical custody of
the child.
(b) This Act does not govern the enforceability of a
child-custody determination made without notice or an opportunity to be heard.
(c) The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as
a party in a child-custody proceeding under this Act are governed by the law of
this State as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this State.
§ 750 ILCS 36/206. Simultaneous Proceedings
Sec. 206. Simultaneous Proceedings. (a) Except as otherwise provided in Section
204 [750 ILCS 36/204], a court of this State may not exercise its jurisdiction
under this Article if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a
proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of
another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this Act,
unless the proceeding has been terminated or is stayed by the court of the other
state because a court of this State is a more convenient forum under Section 207
[750 ILCS 36/207].
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 204 [750 ILCS
36/204], a court of this State, before hearing a child-custody proceeding, shall
examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties
pursuant to Section 209 [750 ILCS 36/209]. If the court determines that a
child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having
jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this Act, the court of this State
shall stay its proceeding and communicate with the court of the other state. If
the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this
Act does not determine that the court of this State is a more appropriate forum,
the court of this State shall dismiss the proceeding.
(c) In a proceeding to modify a child-custody determination, a
court of this State shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the
determination has been commenced in another state. If a proceeding to enforce a
child-custody determination has been commenced in another state, the court may:
(1) stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an
order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing
the proceeding for enforcement;
(2) enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for
enforcement; or
(3) proceed with the modification under conditions it considers
appropriate.
§ 750 ILCS 36/207. Inconvenient Forum
Sec. 207. Inconvenient Forum. (a) A court of this State which has jurisdiction
under this Act to make a child-custody determination may decline to exercise its
jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under
the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum.
The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the
court's own motion, or request of another court.
(b) Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a
court of this State shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of
another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow
the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors,
including:
(1) whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to
continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the
child;
(2) the length of time the child has resided outside this State;
(3) the distance between the court in this State and the court in
the state that would assume jurisdiction;
(4) the relative financial circumstances of the parties;
(5) any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume
jurisdiction;
(6) the nature and location of the evidence required to resolve
the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;
(7) the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue
expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
(8) the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and
issues in the pending litigation.
(c) If a court of this State determines that it is an
inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate
forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child-custody
proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any
other condition the court considers just and proper.
(d) A court of this State may decline to exercise its
jurisdiction under this Act if a child-custody determination is incidental to an
action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over
the divorce or other proceeding.
§ 750 ILCS 36/208. Jurisdiction Declined By Reason Of Conduct
Sec. 208. Jurisdiction Declined By Reason Of Conduct. (a) Except as otherwise
provided in Section 204 [750 ILCS 36/204] or by other law of this State, if a
court of this State has jurisdiction under this Act because a person seeking to
invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall
decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:
(1) the parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced
in the exercise of jurisdiction;
(2) a court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under
Sections 201 through 203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS 36/203] determines
that this State is a more appropriate forum under Section 207 [750 ILCS 36/207];
or
(3) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the
criteria specified in Sections 201 through 203 [750 ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS
36/203].
(b) If a court of this State declines to exercise its
jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a), it may fashion an appropriate remedy to
ensure the safety of the child and prevent a repetition of the unjustifiable
conduct, including staying the proceeding until a child-custody proceeding is
commenced in a court having jurisdiction under Sections 201 through 203 [750
ILCS 36/201 through 750 ILCS 36/203].
(c) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because
it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a), it shall
assess against the party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction necessary and
reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorney's fees,
investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care
during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees are sought
establishes that the assessment would be clearly inappropriate. The court may
not assess fees, costs, or expenses against this State unless authorized by law
other than this Act.
§ 750 ILCS 36/209. Information To Be Submitted To Court
Sec. 209. Information To Be Submitted To Court. (a) Subject to any other law
providing for the confidentiality of procedures, addresses, and other
identifying information, in a child-custody proceeding, each party, in its first
pleading or in an attached affidavit, shall give information, if reasonably
ascertainable, under oath as to the child's present address or whereabouts, the
places where the child has lived during the last five years, and the names and
present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that
period. The pleading or affidavit must state whether the party:
(1) has participated, as a party or witness or in any other
capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation with
the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the date of the
child-custody determination, if any;
(2) knows of any proceeding that could affect the current
proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and proceedings relating to
domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and
adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the
proceeding; and
(3) knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to
the proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims rights of legal
custody or physical custody of, or visitation with, the child and, if so, the
names and addresses of those persons.
(b) If the information required by subsection (a) is not
furnished, the court, upon motion of a party or its own motion, may stay the
proceeding until the information is furnished.
(c) If the declaration as to any of the items described in
subsection (a)(1) through (3) is in the affirmative, the declarant shall give
additional information under oath as required by the court. The court may
examine the parties under oath as to details of the information furnished and
other matters pertinent to the court's jurisdiction and the disposition of the
case.
(d) Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any
proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.
(e) (Blank).
§ 750 ILCS 36/210. Appearance Of Parties And Child
Sec. 210. Appearance Of Parties And Child. (a) In a child-custody proceeding in
this State, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this State
to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may
order any person who is in this State and who has physical custody or control of
the child to appear in person with the child.
(b) If a party to a child-custody proceeding whose presence is
desired by the court is outside this State, the court may order that a notice
given pursuant to Section 108 [750 ILCS 36/108] include a statement directing
the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party
that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party.
(c) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety
of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this Section.
(d) If a party to a child-custody proceeding who is outside this
State is directed to appear under subsection (b) or desires to appear personally
before the court with or without the child, the court may require another party
to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so
appearing and of the child.
§ 750 ILCS 36/301. Definitions
Sec. 301. Definitions. In this Article:
(1) "Petitioner" means a person who seeks enforcement of an order
for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of
International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child-custody determination.
(2) "Respondent" means a person against whom a proceeding has
been commenced for enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague
Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement
of a child-custody determination.
§ 750 ILCS 36/302. Enforcement Under Hague Convention
Sec. 302. Enforcement Under Hague Convention. Under this Article a court of
this State may enforce an order for the return of the child made under the Hague
Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction as if it were a
child-custody determination.
§ 750 ILCS 36/303. Duty To Enforce
Sec. 303. Duty To Enforce. (a) A court of this State shall recognize and enforce
a child-custody determination of a court of another state if the latter court
exercised jurisdiction in substantial conformity with this Act or the
determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional
standards of this Act and the determination has not been modified in accordance
with this Act.
(b) A court of this State may utilize any remedy available under
other law of this State to enforce a child-custody determination made by a court
of another state. The remedies provided in this Article are cumulative and do
not affect the availability of other remedies to enforce a child-custody
determination.
§ 750 ILCS 36/304. Temporary Visitation
Sec. 304. Temporary Visitation. (a) A court of this State which does not have
jurisdiction to modify a child-custody determination, may issue a temporary
order enforcing:
(1) a visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or
(2) the visitation provisions of a child-custody determination of
another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule.
(b) If a court of this State makes an order under subsection
(a)(2), it shall specify in the order a period that it considers adequate to
allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under
the criteria specified in Article 2. The order remains in effect until an order
is obtained from the other court or the period expires.
§ 750 ILCS 36/305. Registration Of Child-Custody Determination
Sec. 305. Registration Of Child-Custody Determination. (a) A child-custody
determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in this
State, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to the
circuit court in this State:
(1) a letter or other document requesting registration;
(2) two copies, including one certified copy, of the
determination sought to be registered, and a statement under penalty of perjury
that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person seeking registration
the order has not been modified; and
(3) except as otherwise provided in Section 209 [750 ILCS
36/209], the name and address of the person seeking registration and any parent
or person acting as a parent who has been awarded custody or visitation in the
child-custody determination sought to be registered.
(b) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (a), the
registering court shall:
(1) cause the determination to be filed as a foreign judgment,
together with one copy of any accompanying documents and information, regardless
of their form; and
(2) serve notice upon the persons named pursuant to subsection
(a)(3) and provide them with an opportunity to contest the registration in
accordance with this Section.
(c) The notice required by subsection (b)(2) must state that:
(1) a registered determination is enforceable as of the date of
the registration in the same manner as a determination issued by a court of this
State;
(2) a hearing to contest the validity of the registered
determination must be requested within 20 days after service of notice; and
(3) failure to contest the registration will result in
confirmation of the child-custody determination and preclude further contest of
that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted.
(d) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered
order must request a hearing within 20 days after service of the notice. At that
hearing, the court shall confirm the registered order unless the person
contesting registration establishes that:
(1) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Article 2;
(2) the child-custody determination sought to be registered has
been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under
Article 2; or
(3) the person contesting registration was entitled to notice,
but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of Section 108 [750
ILCS 36/108], in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for
which registration is sought.
(e) If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of
the registration is not made, the registration is confirmed as a matter of law
and the person requesting registration and all persons served must be notified
of the confirmation.
(f) Confirmation of a registered order, whether by operation of
law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with
respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.
§ 750 ILCS 36/306. Enforcement Of Registered Determination
Sec. 306. Enforcement Of Registered Determination. (a) A court of this State may
grant any relief normally available under the law of this State to enforce a
registered child-custody determination made by a court of another state.
(b) A court of this State shall recognize and enforce, but may
not modify, except in accordance with Article 2, a registered child-custody
determination of a court of another state.
§ 750 ILCS 36/307. Simultaneous Proceedings
Sec. 307. Simultaneous Proceedings. If a proceeding for enforcement under this
Article is commenced in a court of this State and the court determines that a
proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state
having jurisdiction to modify the determination under Article 2, the enforcing
court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. The proceeding for
enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the
modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.
§ 750 ILCS 36/308. Expedited Enforcement Of Child-Custody Determination
Sec. 308. Expedited Enforcement Of Child-Custody Determination. (a) A petition
under this Article must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be
enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the
petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the
original.
(b) A petition for enforcement of a child-custody determination
must state:
(1) whether the court that issued the determination identified
the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so,
what the basis was;
(2) whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has
been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced
under this Act and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature
of the proceeding;
(3) whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect
the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence,
protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so,
identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;
(4) the present physical address of the child and the respondent,
if known;
(5) whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody
of the child and attorney's fees is sought, including a request for assistance
from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and
(6) if the child-custody determination has been registered and
confirmed under Section 305 [750 ILCS 36/305], the date and place of
registration.
(c) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order
directing the respondent to appear in person with or without the child at a
hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties
and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service
of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold
the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of
hearing at the request of the petitioner.
(d) An order issued under subsection (c) must state the time and
place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court
will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child
and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under Section 312 [750 ILCS
36/312], and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is
appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that:
(1) the child-custody determination has not been registered and
confirmed under Section 305 [750 ILCS 36/305] and that:
(A) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Article
2;
(B) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is
sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to
do so under Article 2;
(C) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not
given in accordance with the standards of Section 108 [750 ILCS 36/108], in the
proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is
sought; or
(2) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is
sought was registered and confirmed under Section 304 [750 ILCS 36/304], but has
been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to
do so under Article 2.
§ 750 ILCS 36/309. Service Of Petition And Order
Sec. 309. Service Of Petition And Order. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 311 [750 ILCS 36/311], the petition and order must be served, by any
method authorized by the law of this State, upon respondent and any person who
has physical custody of the child.
§ 750 ILCS 36/310. Hearing And Order
Sec. 310. Hearing And Order. (a) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency
order pursuant to Section 204 [750 ILCS 36/204], upon a finding that a
petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court
shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child
unless the respondent establishes that:
(1) the child-custody determination has not been registered and
confirmed under Section 305 [750 ILCS 36/305] and that:
(A) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Article
2;
(B) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is
sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having
jurisdiction to do so under Article 2; or
(C) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not
given in accordance with the standards of Section 108 [750 ILCS 36/108], in the
proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is
sought; or
(2) the child-custody determination for which enforcement is
sought was registered and confirmed under Section 305 [750 ILCS 36/305] but has
been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to
do so under Article 2.
(b) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses
authorized under Section 312 [750 ILCS 36/312] and may grant additional relief,
including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a
further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.
(c) If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground
that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse
inference from the refusal.
(d) A privilege against disclosure of communications between
spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife
or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this Article.
§ 750 ILCS 36/311. Warrant To Take Physical Custody Of Child
Sec. 311. Warrant To Take Physical Custody Of Child. (a) Upon the filing of a
petition seeking enforcement of a child-custody determination, the petitioner
may file a verified application for the issuance of a warrant to take physical
custody of the child if the child is immediately likely to suffer serious
physical harm or be removed from this State.
(b) If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other
witness, finds that the child is imminently likely to suffer serious physical
harm or be removed from this State, it may issue a warrant to take physical
custody of the child. The petition must be heard on the next judicial day after
the warrant is executed unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court
shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The application for
the warrant must include the statements required by Section 308(b) [750 ILCS
36/308].
(c) A warrant to take physical custody of a child must:
(1) recite the facts upon which a conclusion of imminent serious
physical harm or removal from the jurisdiction is based;
(2) direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of
the child immediately; and
(3) provide for the placement of the child pending final relief.
(d) The respondent must be served with the petition, warrant, and
order immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.
(e) A warrant to take physical custody of a child is enforceable
throughout this State. If the court finds on the basis of the testimony of the
petitioner or other witness that a less intrusive remedy is not effective, it
may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take
physical custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances of the case,
the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any
hour.
(f) The court may impose conditions upon placement of a child to
ensure the appearance of the child and the child's custodian.
§ 750 ILCS 36/312. Costs, Fees, And Expenses
Sec. 312. Costs, Fees, And Expenses. (a) The court shall award the prevailing
party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on
behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney's fees,
investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care
during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or
expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(b) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a
state unless authorized by law other than this Act.
§ 750 ILCS 36/313. Recognition And Enforcement
Sec. 313. Recognition And Enforcement. A court of this State shall accord full
faith and credit to an order issued by another state and consistent with this
Act which enforces a child-custody determination by a court of another state
unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having
jurisdiction to do so under Article 2.
§ 750 ILCS 36/314. Appeals
Sec. 314. Appeals. An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding
under this Article in accordance with expedited appellate procedures which are
or may be established by Supreme Court Rule. Unless the court enters a temporary
emergency order under Section 204 [750 ILCS 36/204], the enforcing court may not
stay an order enforcing a child-custody determination pending appeal.
§ 750 ILCS 36/315. Role Of State's Attorney
Sec. 315. Role Of State's Attorney. (a) In a case arising under this Act or
involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child
Abduction, the State's Attorney or other appropriate public official may take
any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under this Article or any
other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a
child, or enforce a child-custody determination if there is:
(1) an existing child-custody determination;
(2) a request to do so from a court in a pending child-custody
proceeding;
(3) a reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been
violated; or
(4) a reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully
removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of
International Child Abduction.
(b) A State's Attorney or appropriate public official acting
under this Section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.
§ 750 ILCS 36/316. Role Of Law Enforcement
Sec. 316. Role Of Law Enforcement. At the request of a State's Attorney or
other appropriate public official acting under Section 315 [750 ILCS 36/315], a
law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably necessary to
locate a child or a party and assist a State's Attorney or appropriate public
official with responsibilities under Section 315 [750 ILCS 36/315].
§ 750 ILCS 36/317. Costs And Expenses
Sec. 317. Costs And Expenses. If the respondent is not the prevailing party,
the court may assess against the respondent all direct expenses and costs
incurred by the State's Attorney or other appropriate public official and law
enforcement officers under Section 315 or 316 [750 ILCS 36/315 or 750 ILCS
36/316].
§ 750 ILCS 36/401. Application And Construction
Sec. 401. Application And Construction. In applying and construing this Uniform
Act [750 ILCS 36/101 et seq.], consideration must be given to the need to
promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states
that enact it.
§ 750 ILCS 36/402. Severability Clause
Sec. 402. Severability Clause. If any provision of this Act or its application
to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect
other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without
the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act
are severable.
§ 750 ILCS 36/403. Effective Date
Sec. 403. Effective Date. This Act takes effect on January 1, 2004.

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