Michigan UCCJEA
Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.1101 et seq.
§ 722.1101. Short title.
Sec. 101. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "uniform child-custody
jurisdiction and enforcement act".
§ 722.1102. Definitions.
Sec. 102. As used in this act:
(a) "Abandoned" means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care
or supervision.
(b) "Child" means an individual who is younger than 18 years of age.
(c) "Child-custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other court order
providing for legal custody, physical custody, or parenting time with respect to
a child. Child-custody determination includes a permanent, temporary, initial,
and modification order. Child-custody determination does not include an order
relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.
(d) "Child-custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody,
physical custody, or parenting time with respect to a child is an issue.
Child-custody proceeding includes a proceeding for divorce, separate
maintenance, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity,
termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic violence, in which
the issue may appear. Child-custody proceeding does not include a proceeding
involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under
article 3.
(e) "Commencement" means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.
(f) "Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish,
enforce, or modify a child-custody determination.
(g) "Home state" means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a
person acting as a parent for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before
the commencement of a child-custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than
6 months of age, the term means the state in which the child lived from birth
with a parent or person acting as a parent. A period of temporary absence of a
parent or person acting as a parent is included as part of the period.
(h) "Initial determination" means the first child-custody determination
concerning a particular child.
(i)
"Issuing court" means the court that makes a child-custody determination for
which enforcement is sought under this act.
(j) "Issuing state" means the state in which a child-custody determination is
made.
(k) "Modification" means a child-custody determination that changes, replaces,
supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous child-custody determination
concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by the court that made the
previous child-custody determination.
(l) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust,
partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, or
government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; public
corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity.
(m) "Person acting as a parent" means a person, other than a parent, who meets
both of the following criteria:
(i) Has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period
of 6 consecutive months, including a temporary absence, within 1 year
immediately before the commencement of a child-custody proceeding.
(ii) Has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal
custody under the law of this state.
(n) "Physical custody" means the physical care and supervision of a child.
(o) "Register" means to comply with the procedures of section 304 to make a
child-custody determination enforceable in this state.
(p) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto
Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or a territory or insular possession
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(q) "Tribe" means an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan native village, that is
recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.
(r) "Warrant" means a court order authorizing a law enforcement officer to take
physical custody of a child.
§ 722.1103. Scope of act; limitation.
Sec. 103. This act does not govern an adoption proceeding or a proceeding
pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a child.
§ 722.1104. Proceeding pertaining to Indian child.
Sec. 104. (1) A child-custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as
defined in the Indian child welfare act of 1978, Public Law 95-608, 25 U.S.C.
1901 to 1903, 1911 to 1923, 1931 to 1934, 1951 to 1952, and 1961 to 1963, is not
subject to this act to the extent that the proceeding is governed by the Indian
child welfare act of 1978, Public Law 95-608, 25 U.S.C. 1901 to 1903, 1911 to
1923, 1931 to 1934, 1951 to 1952, and 1961 to 1963.
(2) A court of this state shall treat a tribe as a state of the United States
for the purposes of articles 1 and 2.
(3) 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.
§ 722.1105. Child-custody law or determination of foreign country.
Sec. 105. (1) A court of this state shall treat a foreign country as a state of
the United States for the purposes of applying articles 1 and 2.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), 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.
(3) 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.
§ 722.1106. Child-custody determination of this state.
Sec. 106. 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 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 child-custody determination is
conclusive as to all decided issues of law and fact except to the extent the
child-custody determination is modified.
§ 722.1107. Jurisdiction; question; priority.
Sec. 107. If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this act
is raised in a child-custody proceeding, upon request of a party, the question
must be given priority on the court calendar and handled expeditiously.
§ 722.1108. Notice; manner; proof of service; notice not required.
Sec. 108. (1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a
person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
§ 722.1109. Personal jurisdiction.
Sec. 109. (1) A party to a child-custody proceeding who is not subject to
personal jurisdiction in this state and is a responding party under article 2, a
party in a proceeding to modify a child-custody determination under article 2,
or a petitioner in a proceeding to enforce or register a child-custody
determination under article 3 may appear and participate in the proceeding
without submitting to personal jurisdiction over the party for another
proceeding or purpose.
(2) A party is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state solely by
being physically present for the purpose of participating in a proceeding under
this act. If a party is subject to personal jurisdiction in this state on a
basis other than physical presence, the party may be served with process in this
state. If a party present in this state is subject to the jurisdiction of
another state, service of process allowable under the law of that state may be
accomplished in this state.
(3) The immunity granted by subsection (1) 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.
§ 722.1110. Communication between states; participation of parties; "record"
defined.
Sec. 110. (1) A court of this state may communicate with a court in another
state concerning a proceeding arising under this act.
(2) The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. If the
parties are not able to participate in the communication, the parties shall be
given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on
jurisdiction is made.
(3) A communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court records, and
similar matters may occur without informing the parties. A record need not be
made of that communication.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (3), 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.
(5) 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. Record includes each of the
following:
(a) Notes or transcripts of a court reporter who listened to a conference call
between the courts.
(b) An electronic recording of a telephone call.
(c) A memorandum or electronic record of a communication between the courts.
(d) A memorandum or electronic record of a communication between the courts that
a court makes after the communication.
§ 722.1111. Testimony.
Sec. 111. (1) 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.
(2) 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 a deposition or testimony.
(3) 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.
§ 722.1112. Request to out-of-state court; expenses; preservating and
forwarding records.
Sec. 112. (1) A court of this state may request the appropriate court of another
state to do any of the following:
(a) Hold an evidentiary hearing.
(b) Order a person to produce or give evidence under procedures of that state.
(c) Order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child
involved in a pending proceeding.
(d) Forward to the court of this state a certified copy of the transcript of the
record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented, and an evaluation
prepared in compliance with the request.
(e) Order a party to a child-custody proceeding or a person having physical
custody of the child to appear in the proceeding with or without the child.
(2) Upon request of a court of another state, a court of this state may hold a
hearing or enter an order described in subsection (1).
(3) Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under subsection
(1) or (2) may be assessed against the parties according to the law of this
state.
(4) 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 these records.
§ 722.1201. Initial child-custody determination; jurisdiction.
Sec. 201. (1) Except as otherwise provided in section 204, a court of this state
has jurisdiction to make an initial child-custody determination only in the
following situations:
(a) 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 6 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.
(b) A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under subdivision (a),
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, and the court finds both of the following:
(i) The child and the child's parents, or the child and at least 1 parent or a
person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other
than mere physical presence.
(ii) Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's
care, protection, training, and personal relationships.
(c) All courts having jurisdiction under subdivision (a) or (b) have declined to
exercise jurisdiction on the grounds that a court of this state is the more
appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under section 207 or
208.
(d) No court of another state would have jurisdiction under subdivision (a),
(b), or (c).
(2) Subsection (1) is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a
child-custody determination by a court of this state.
(3) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is
neither necessary nor sufficient to make a child-custody determination.
§ 722.1202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction; condition; determination to
decline jurisdiction; modification of child-custody determination.
Sec. 202. (1) Except as otherwise provided in section 204, a court of this state
that has made a child-custody determination consistent with section 201 or 203
has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the child-custody determination
until either of the following occurs:
(a) A court of this state determines that neither the child, nor the child and 1
parent, nor the child and a person acting as a parent 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.
(b) A court of this state or a court of another state determines that neither
the child, nor a parent of the child, nor a person acting as the child's parent
presently resides in this state.
(2) A court of this state that has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under
this section may decline to exercise its jurisdiction if the court determines
that it is an inconvenient forum under section 207.
(3) A court of this state that has made a child-custody determination and that
does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify
that child-custody determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial
child-custody determination under section 201.
§ 722.1203. Modification of out-of-state child-custody determination;
requirements.
Sec. 203. Except as otherwise provided in section 204, a court of this state
shall 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 child-custody
determination under section 201(1)(a) or (b) and either of the following
applies:
(a) The court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive,
continuing jurisdiction under section 202 or that a court of this state would be
a more convenient forum under section 207.
(b) A court of this state or a court of the other state determines that neither
the child, nor a parent of the child, nor a person acting as a parent presently
resides in the other state.
§ 722.1204. Temporary emergency jurisdiction; communication with
out-of-state court; duration of order.
Sec. 204. (1) 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.
(2) If there is no previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be
enforced under this act and if a child-custody proceeding has not been commenced
in a court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 201 to 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
to 203. If a child-custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a
court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 201 to 203, a child-custody
determination made under this section becomes a final child-custody
determination, if that is what the determination provides and this state becomes
the home state of the child.
(3) If there is a previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be
enforced under this act or if a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a
court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 201 to 203, an order issued
by a court of this state under this section must specify in the order a period
of time that the court considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order
to obtain an order from the state having jurisdiction under sections 201 to 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.
(4) If a court of this state that has been asked to make a child-custody
determination under this section is informed that a child-custody proceeding has
been commenced in, or that a child-custody determination has been made by, a
court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 201 to 203, the court of
this state shall immediately communicate with the other court. If a court of
this state that is exercising jurisdiction under sections 201 to 203 is 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, the court of this state shall immediately communicate with the
court of the other state. The purpose of a communication under this subsection
is to resolve the emergency, protect the safety of the parties and the child,
and determine a period for the duration of the temporary order.
§ 722.1205. Notice and hearing.
Sec. 205. (1) 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 must be given to each person entitled to notice under the law of
this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state, a
parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated, and a person
having physical custody of the child.
(2) This act does not govern the enforceability of a child-custody determination
made without notice and an opportunity to be heard.
(3) 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.
§ 722.1206. Commencement of out-of-state proceeding; jurisdiction;
communication; dismissal of proceeding by in-state court; modification.
Sec. 206. (1) Except as otherwise provided in section 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 child-custody proceeding 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.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in section 204, before hearing a child-custody
proceeding, a court of this state shall examine the court documents and other
information supplied by the parties as required by section 209. If the court
determines that, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, 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 child-custody proceeding.
(3) In a proceeding to modify a child-custody determination, a court of this
state shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the child-custody
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
do any of the following:
(a) 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.
(b) Enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement.
(c) Proceed with the modification under conditions it considers appropriate.
§ 722.1207. Determination of inconvenient forum.
Sec. 207. (1) A court of this state that 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 the motion of a party, the court's own
motion, or the request of another court.
(2) 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 all of the
following:
(a) Whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the
future and which state could best protect the parties and the child.
(b) The length of time the child has resided outside this state.
(c) The distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that
would assume jurisdiction.
(d) The parties' relative financial circumstances.
(e) An agreement by the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction.
(f) The nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending
litigation, including the child's testimony.
(g) The ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and
the procedures necessary to present the evidence.
(h) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues of the
pending litigation.
(3) 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.
(4) A court of this state may decline to exercise 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.
§ 722.1208. Unjustifiable conduct of parties; decision to decline exercise
of jurisdiction; dismissal or stay; expenses.
Sec. 208. (1) Except as otherwise provided in section 204 or by other law of
this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this act because a
person invoking the court's jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct,
the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless the court finds 1 or
more of the following:
(a) The parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the
exercise of jurisdiction.
(b) A court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under sections 201 to 203
determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under section 207.
(c) No court of another state would have jurisdiction under sections 201 to 203.
(2) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction under
subsection (1), the court 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 to 203.
(3) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to
exercise jurisdiction under subsection (1), it shall charge the party invoking
the jurisdiction of the court with necessary and reasonable expenses including
costs, communication expenses, attorney fees, investigative fees, witness
expenses, travel expenses, and child care expenses during the course of the
proceedings, unless the party from whom expenses and fees are sought establishes
that the award would be clearly inappropriate. The court may not assess fees,
costs, or expenses against this state unless authorized by law other than this
act.
§ 722.1209. Pleading or sworn statement; information.
Sec. 209. (1) Subject to the law of this state providing for confidentiality of
procedures, addresses, and other identifying information, in a child-custody
proceeding, each party, in its first pleading or in an attached sworn statement,
shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, under oath as to the
child's present address, the places where the child has lived during the last 5
years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child
has lived during that period. The pleading or sworn statement must state all of
the following:
(a) Whether the party has participated, as a party or witness or in another
capacity, in another child-custody proceeding with the child and, if so,
identify the court, the case number of the child-custody proceeding, and the
date of the child-custody determination, if any.
(b) Whether the party knows of a proceeding that could affect the current
child-custody proceeding, including a proceeding for enforcement or a proceeding
relating to domestic violence, a protective order, termination of parental
rights, or adoption, and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the
nature of the proceeding.
(c) The name and address of each person that the party knows who is not a party
to the child-custody proceeding and who has physical custody of the child or
claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of, or parenting time with,
the child.
(2) If the information required by subsection (1) is not furnished, upon motion
of a party or its own motion, the court may stay the proceeding until the
information is furnished.
(3) If the declaration as to an item described in subsection (1) 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.
(4) Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of a proceeding in this
or another state that could affect the current child-custody proceeding.
(5) If a party alleges in a sworn statement or a pleading under oath that a
party's or child's health, safety, or liberty would be put at risk by the
disclosure of identifying information, the court shall seal and not disclose
that information to the other party or the public unless the court orders the
disclosure after a hearing in which the court considers the party's or child's
health, safety, and liberty and determines that the disclosure is in the
interest of justice.
§ 722.1210. Order to appear with or without child.
Sec. 210. (1) A court of this state may order a party to a child-custody
proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court personally with or
without the child. The court may order a person who is in this state and who has
physical custody or control of the child to appear physically with the child.
(2) 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 in
accordance with section 108 include a statement directing the party to appear
personally with or without the child and declaring that failure to appear may
result in a decision adverse to the party.
(3) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child
or of a person ordered to appear under this section.
(4) If a party to a child-custody proceeding who is outside this state is
directed to appear under subsection (2) 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 directed or
desiring to appear and of the child.
§ 722.1301. "Petitioner" and "respondent" defined.
Sec. 301. As used in this article:
(a) "Petitioner" means a person who seeks enforcement of a child-custody
determination or enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague
convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction.
(b) "Respondent" means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for
enforcement of a child-custody determination or enforcement of an order for the
return of a child under the Hague convention on the civil aspects of
international child abduction.
§ 722.1302. Enforcement; temporary order.
Sec. 302. (1) This article may be invoked to enforce 1 or both of the following:
(a) A child-custody determination.
(b) An order for the return of a child made under the Hague convention on the
civil aspects of international child abduction.
(2) A court of this state that does not have jurisdiction to modify a
child-custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing either of the
following:
(a) A parenting time schedule made by a court of another state.
(b) The parenting time provisions of a child-custody determination of another
state that does not provide for a specific parenting time schedule.
(3) If a court of this state makes an order under subsection (2)(b), 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.
§ 722.1303. Child custody determination by out-of-state court; enforcement;
remedy.
Sec. 303. (1) 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 that was in substantial conformity with this act or the
child-custody determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the
jurisdictional standards of this act and the child-custody determination has not
been modified in accordance with this act.
(2) A court of this state may utilize a remedy available under another law of
this state to enforce a child-custody determination made by a court of another
state. The procedure provided by this article does not affect the availability
of other remedies to enforce a child-custody determination.
§ 722.1304. Registered child-custody determination; requirements.
Sec. 304. (1) 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 all of the following to the circuit court in this state:
(a) A letter or other document requesting registration.
(b) Two copies, including 1 certified copy, of the child-custody 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
child-custody determination has not been modified.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in section 209, the name and address of the
person seeking registration and of each parent or person acting as a parent who
has been awarded custody or parenting time in the child-custody determination
sought to be registered.
(2) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (1), the registering
court shall do both of the following:
(a) Cause the child-custody determination to be filed as a foreign judgment,
together with 1 copy of any accompanying documents and information, regardless
of form.
(b) Serve notice upon the persons named under subsection (1)(c) and provide them
with an opportunity to contest the registration in accordance with this section.
(3) The notice required by subsection (2)(b) must state all of the following:
(a) A registered child-custody determination is enforceable as of the date of
the registration in the same manner as a child-custody determination issued by a
court of this state.
(b) A hearing to contest the validity of the registered child-custody
determination must be requested within 21 days after service of notice.
(c) Failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the
child-custody determination and preclude further contest of that child-custody
determination with respect to a matter that could have been asserted.
(4) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered child-custody
determination must request a hearing within 21 days after service of the notice
under subsection (2). At that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered
child-custody determination unless the person contesting registration
establishes 1 of the following:
(a) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under article 2.
(b) The child-custody determination sought to be registered has been vacated,
stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under
article 2.
(c) The person contesting registration was entitled to notice in the proceedings
before the court that issued the child-custody determination for which
registration is sought, but notice of those proceedings was not given in
accordance with the standards of section 108.
(5) 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 each person served must be notified of
the confirmation.
(6) Confirmation of a registered child-custody determination, whether by
operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the
child-custody determination with respect to a matter that could have been
asserted at the time of registration.
§ 722.1305. Registered child-custody determination; enforcement.
Sec. 305. (1) 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.
(2) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but shall not modify
except in accordance with article 2, a registered child-custody determination of
another state.
§ 722.1306. Commencement of in-state enforcement proceeding; out-of-state
modification proceeding; communication of enforcing court with modifying court.
Sec. 306. If a proceeding for enforcement under this article is commenced in
this state and a court of this state determines that a proceeding to modify the
child-custody determination has been commenced in another state having
jurisdiction to modify the child-custody 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.
§ 722.1307. Petition for enforcement of child-custody determination;
contents; filing; hearing.
Sec. 307. (1) A petition under this article must be verified. A certified copy
of a child-custody determination sought to be enforced and of the order
confirming registration, if any, must be attached to the petition. A copy of a
certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.
(2) A petition for enforcement of a child-custody determination must state all
of the following:
(a) Whether the court that issued the child-custody determination identified the
jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what
the basis was.
(b) Whether the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has
been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced
under this act or federal law and, if so, identify the court, the case number of
the proceeding, and the action taken.
(c) Whether a proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current
proceeding, including a proceeding relating to domestic violence, a protective
order, termination of parental rights, or adoption and, if so, identify the
court and the case number and nature of the proceeding.
(d) The present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known.
(e) Whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child
and attorney fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law
enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought.
(f) If the child-custody determination has been registered and confirmed under
section 304, the date and place of registration.
(3) Upon the filing of a petition under this article, the court shall issue an
order directing the respondent to appear 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 court shall hold the hearing 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.
(4) An order issued under subsection (3) must state the time and place of the
hearing and must advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order
the delivery of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under
section 311, and may schedule an additional hearing to determine whether further
relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes either of
the following:
(a) The child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under
section 304 and 1 or more of the following:
(i) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under article 2.
(ii) 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 federal law.
(iii) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in
accordance with the standards of section 108 in the proceedings before the court
that issued the order for which enforcement is sought.
(b) The child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was
registered and confirmed under section 304, but has been vacated, stayed, or
modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under article 2 or
federal law.
§ 722.1308. Petition and order; service.
Sec. 308. Except as otherwise provided in section 310, the petition and order
must be served, by a method authorized by the law of this state, upon respondent
and any person who has physical custody of the child.
§ 722.1309. Delivery of child to petitioner; grounds for exception;
expenses; additional relief; refusal to testify; inference; privilege against
disclosure.
Sec. 309. (1) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order as provided in
section 204, upon a finding that a petitioner is immediately entitled to the
physical custody of the child, the court shall order the child delivered to the
petitioner unless the respondent establishes either of the following:
(a) The child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under
section 304 and 1 or more of the following:
(i) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under article 2.
(ii) 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 federal law.
(iii) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in
accordance with the standards of section 108 in the proceedings before the court
that issued the order for which enforcement is sought.
(b) The child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was
registered and confirmed under section 304, but has been vacated, stayed, or
modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under article 2 or
federal law.
(2) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under section
311 and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of
law enforcement officials, and schedule a further hearing to determine whether
additional relief is appropriate.
(3) If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the grounds that the
testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference
from the refusal.
(4) 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 cannot be invoked in a proceeding under this article.
§ 722.1310. Warrant to take physical custody of child.
Sec. 310. (1) 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
likely to suffer serious imminent physical harm or be removed from this state.
(2) If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other witness, finds
that the child is likely to suffer serious imminent physical harm or be
imminently removed from this state, the court may issue a warrant to take
physical custody of the child. The court shall hold a hearing on the petition on
the next judicial day after the warrant is executed. A warrant issued under this
section must include the statements required in an enforcement petition by
section 307.
(3) A warrant to take physical custody of a child must include at least the
following:
(a) A recitation of the facts upon which a conclusion of serious imminent
physical harm or imminent removal from the jurisdiction is based.
(b) An order directing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the
child immediately.
(c) Provisions for the placement of the child pending final relief.
(4) The respondent must be served with the petition, warrant, and order
immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.
(5) 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
another witness that a less intrusive remedy is not effective, the court may
authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical
custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances, the court may
authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.
(6) The court may impose conditions upon placement of a child to ensure the
appearance of the child and the child's custodian.
§ 722.1311. Assessment of expenses.
Sec. 311. (1) 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 fees, investigative fees,
witness expenses, travel expenses, and child care expenses during the course of
the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought
establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(2) The court shall not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state except
as otherwise provided by law other than this act.
§ 722.1312. Full faith and credit.
Sec. 312. A court of this state shall accord full faith and credit to an order
issued by another state and consistent with this act that 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.
§ 722.1313. Appeal.
Sec. 313. An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under this
article in accordance with expedited appellate procedures in other civil cases.
Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under section 204, the
enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child-custody determination
pending appeal.
§ 722.1314. International child abduction; actions by prosecutor or attorney
general.
Sec. 314. (1) In a case arising under this act or involving the Hague convention
on the civil aspects of international child abduction, a prosecutor or the
attorney general may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding
under this article or another available civil proceeding, to locate a child,
obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child-custody determination if there
is 1 or more of the following:
(a) An existing child-custody determination.
(b) A request from a court in a pending child-custody proceeding.
(c) A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated.
(d) 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.
(2) A prosecutor or the attorney general acting under this section acts on
behalf of the court and shall not represent a party to a child-custody
determination.
§ 722.1315. Actions by law enforcement officer.
Sec. 315. At the request of a prosecutor or the attorney general acting under
section 314, a law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably
necessary to locate a child or a party and to assist the prosecutor or attorney
general with responsibilities under section 314.
§ 722.1316. Expenses of prosecutor or attorney general and law enforcement
officers; assessment against respondent.
Sec. 316. If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess
against the respondent all direct expenses and costs incurred by the prosecutor
or attorney general and law enforcement officers under section 314 or 315.
§ 722.1401. Application and construction of act; promotion of uniformity.
Sec. 401. In applying and construing this uniform act, the court shall give
consideration to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its
subject matter among states that enact it.
§ 722.1405. Proceedings commenced before effective date of act.
Sec. 405. A motion or other request for relief made in a child-custody or
enforcement proceeding that was commenced before the effective date of this act
is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was
made.
§ 722.1406. Repeal of § § 600.651 to 600.673; effective date of act.
Sec. 406. (1) Sections 651 to 673 of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA
236, MCL 600.651 to 600.673, are repealed.
(2) This act takes effect April 1, 2002.

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