Colorado UCCJEA
Colo. Rev. Stat. 14-13-101 et seq.
14-13-101. Short title
This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Uniform
Child-custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act".
14-13-102. Definitions
As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Abandoned" means left without provision for reasonable and
necessary care or supervision.
(2) "Child" means an individual who has not attained eighteen
years of age.
(3) "Child-custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or
other order of a court providing for the legal custody or physical custody of a
child or allocating parental responsibilities with respect to a child or
providing for visitation, parenting time, or grandparent 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 or physical custody with respect to a child or the allocation of
parental responsibilities with respect to a child or visitation, parenting time,
or grandparent visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes
a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation, neglect,
abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and
protection from domestic violence and domestic abuse, in which the issue may
appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency,
contractual emancipation, or enforcement under part 3 of this article.
(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 article.
(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 or allocated parental
responsibilities with respect to a child by a court or claims a right to legal
custody or parental responsibilities 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) "Warrant" means an order issued by a court authorizing law
enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.
14-13-103. Proceedings governed by other law
This article does not govern an adoption proceeding or a
proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a
child.
14-13-104. International application of article
(1) 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 this part 1 and
part 2 of this article.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this
section, a child-custody determination made in a foreign country under factual
circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of
this article must be recognized and enforced under part 3 of this article.
(3) A court of this state need not apply this article if the
child-custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human
rights.
14-13-105. Effect of child-custody determination
A child-custody determination made by a court of this state that
had jurisdiction under this article binds all persons who have been served in
accordance with the laws of this state or notified in accordance with section
14-13-108 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.
14-13-106. Priority
If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this
article is raised in a child-custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a
party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously.
14-13-108. Notice to persons outside state
(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.
14-13-109. Appearance and limited immunity
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) The immunity granted by subsection (1) of this section does
not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to the participation in a
proceeding under this article committed by an individual while present in this
state.
14-13-110. Communication between courts
(1) A court of this state may communicate with a court in another
state concerning a proceeding arising under this article.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this
section, 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.
14-13-111. Taking testimony in another state
(1) In addition to other procedures available to a party, a party
to a child-custody proceeding or a guardian ad litem or other representative of
the child 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 the 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.
14-13-112. Cooperation between courts - preservation of records
(1) A court of this state may request the appropriate court of
another state to:
(a) Hold an evidentiary hearing;
(b) Order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to
procedures of that state;
(c) Order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody
or allocation of parental responsibilities with respect to 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
any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and
(e) 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.
(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) of this
section.
(3) Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred
under subsections (1) and (2) of this section 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 eighteen 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.
14-13-201. Initial child-custody jurisdiction
(1) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-204, a court of
this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child-custody determination only
if:
(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 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;
(b) A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under a
provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with
paragraph (a) of this subsection (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 a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with section 14-13-207 or 14-13-208, and:
(I) 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
(II) Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning
the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;
(c) All courts having jurisdiction under a provision of law
adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with paragraph (a) or
(b) of this subsection (1) 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 a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with section 14-13-207 or 14-13-208; or
(d) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under
the criteria specified in a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection (1).
(2) Subsection (1) of this section 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 not necessary or sufficient to make a child-custody determination.
14-13-202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction
(1) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-204, a court of
this state that has made a child-custody determination consistent with section
14-13-201 or 14-13-203 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the
determination until:
(a) A court of this state determines that 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
(b) 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.
(2) A court of this state that 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 14-13-201.
14-13-203. Jurisdiction to modify determination
(1) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-204, 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 14-13-201 (1) (a) or 14-13-201 (1) (b) and:
(a) The court of the other state determines it no longer has
exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under a provision of law adopted by that
state that is in substantial conformity with section 14-13-202 or that a court
of this state would be a more convenient forum under a provision of law adopted
by that state that is in substantial conformity with section 14-13-207; or
(b) 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.
14-13-204. Temporary emergency jurisdiction
(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 article and a child-custody proceeding has
not been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under a provision
of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with sections
14-13-201 to 14-13-203, 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 a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203. If a child-custody
proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having
jurisdiction under a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203, 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.
(3) If there is a previous child-custody determination that is
entitled to be enforced under this article, or a child-custody proceeding has
been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under a provision of
law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with sections
14-13-201 to 14-13-203, 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 a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203. 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) A court of this state that 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 a provision of
law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with sections
14-13-201 to 14-13-203, shall immediately communicate with the other court. A
court of this state that is exercising jurisdiction pursuant to sections
14-13-201 to 14-13-203, 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.
14-13-205. Notice - opportunity to be heard - joinder
(1) Before a child-custody determination is made under this
article, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards
of section 14-13-108 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.
(2) This article does not govern the enforceability of a
child-custody determination made without notice or 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 article are governed by the law
of this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state.
14-13-206. Simultaneous proceedings
(1) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-204, a court of
this state may not exercise its jurisdiction under this part 2 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 article, 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 a provision of law adopted by that state
that is in substantial conformity with section 14-13-207.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-204, 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 14-13-209. If the court determines that a child-custody proceeding has
been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in
accordance with a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial
conformity with this article, 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 article does not
determine that the court of this state is a more appropriate forum, the court of
this state shall dismiss the proceeding.
(3) 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 of
this state may:
(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; or
(c) Proceed with the modification under conditions it considers
appropriate.
14-13-207. Inconvenient forum
(1) A court of this state that has jurisdiction under this
article 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.
(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:
(a) Whether domestic violence or domestic abuse 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 relative financial circumstances of the parties;
(e) Any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume
jurisdiction;
(f) The nature and location of the evidence required to resolve
the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;
(g) The ability of the court of each state to decide the issue
expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
(h) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts
and issues in 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 its
jurisdiction under this article if a child-custody determination is incidental
to an action for divorce, dissolution of marriage, or another proceeding while
still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce, dissolution of marriage, or other
proceeding.
14-13-208. Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct
(1) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-204, or by
other law of this state, if a person seeking to invoke the jurisdiction of a
court of this state under this article has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the
court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:
(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 a
provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with
sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203 determines that this state is a more appropriate
forum under a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial
conformity with section 14-13-207; or
(c) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under
the criteria specified in a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203.
(2) If a court of this state declines to exercise its
jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, 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 a
provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with
sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203.
(3) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding
because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (1) of
this section, it shall assess against the party seeking to invoke its
jurisdiction necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication
expenses, attorney 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 article.
14-13-209. Information to be submitted to court
(1) Subject to a court order allowing a party to maintain the
confidentiality of addresses and other identifying information and to subsection
(5) of this section, 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:
(a) Has participated, as a party or witness or in any other
capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation or
parenting time with the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number,
and the date of the child-custody determination, if any;
(b) Knows of any proceeding that could affect the current
proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and proceedings relating to
domestic violence or domestic abuse, protective orders or restraining orders,
termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court,
the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; and
(c) 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
parental responsibilities or legal custody or physical custody of, or visitation
or parenting time with, the child and, if so, the names and addresses of those
persons.
(2) If the information required by subsection (1) of this
section is not furnished, the court, upon motion of a party or its own motion,
may stay the proceeding until the information is furnished.
(3) If the declaration as to any of the items described in
paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1) of this section 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 any
proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.
(5) If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath
that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by
disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed and may
not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the
disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into
consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child and
determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.
14-13-210. Appearance of parties and child
(1) 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.
(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 pursuant to section 14-13-108 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.
(3) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the
safety of the child and of any 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) of this section 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.
14-13-301. Definitions
As used in this part 3, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Petitioner" means a person who seeks enforcement of an
order for the 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 the return of a child under the
"Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction" or
enforcement of a child-custody determination.
14-13-302. Enforcement under Hague Convention
Under this part 3 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.
14-13-303. Duty to enforce
(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 in substantial conformity with this article or the
determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional
standards of this article and the determination has not been modified in
accordance with this article.
(2) 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 part 3 are cumulative and do not
affect the availability of other remedies to enforce a child-custody
determination.
14-13-304. Temporary visitation or parenting time
(1) A court of this state that does not have jurisdiction to
modify a child-custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing:
(a) A visitation or parenting time schedule made by a court of
another state; or
(b) The visitation or parenting time provisions of a
child-custody determination of another state that does not provide for a
specific visitation or parenting time schedule.
(2) If a court of this state makes an order under paragraph (b)
of subsection (1) of this section, 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 criteria substantially in conformity with those
criteria specified in part 2 of this article. The order remains in effect until
an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.
14-13-305. Registration of child-custody determination
(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 to the appropriate district court in this state:
(a) A letter or other document requesting registration;
(b) 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
(c) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-209, the name
and address of the person seeking registration and any parent or person acting
as a parent who has been awarded custody, allocated parental responsibilities,
or granted visitation or parenting time in the child-custody determination
sought to be registered.
(2) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (1) of
this section, the registering court shall:
(a) 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
(b) Serve notice upon the persons named pursuant to paragraph
(c) of subsection (1) of this section and provide them with an opportunity to
contest the registration in accordance with this section.
(3) The notice required by paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of
this section must state that:
(a) 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;
(b) A hearing to contest the validity of the registered
determination must be requested within twenty days after service of notice; and
(c) 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.
(4) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered
order must request a hearing within twenty days after service of the notice. At
that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered order unless the person
contesting registration establishes that:
(a) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under a
provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with
part 2 of this article;
(b) The child-custody determination sought to be registered has
been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under
part 2 of this article; or
(c) The person contesting registration was entitled to notice,
but notice was not given in accordance with standards substantially in
conformity with the standards set forth in section 14-13-108, in the proceedings
before the court that issued the order for which registration is sought.
(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 all persons served must be notified
of the confirmation.
(6) 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.
14-13-306. Enforcement of registered determination
(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 may
not modify, except in accordance with part 2 of this article, a registered
child-custody determination of a court of another state.
14-13-307. Simultaneous proceedings
If a proceeding for enforcement under this part 3 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 a provision of law adopted by that state that is
in substantial conformity with part 2 of this article, 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.
14-13-308. Expedited enforcement of child-custody determination
(1) A petition under this part 3 in which the petitioner is
seeking expedited enforcement pursuant to this section 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.
(2) A petition for expedited enforcement of a child-custody
determination pursuant to this section must state:
(a) Whether the court that issued the determination identified
the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so,
what the basis was;
(b) Whether the determination for which enforcement is sought
has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced
under this article and, if so, the identity of the court, the case number, and
the nature of the proceeding;
(c) Whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect
the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence or
domestic abuse, protective orders or restraining orders, termination of parental
rights, and adoptions and, if so, the identity of the court, the case number,
and the 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's fees is sought, including a request for assistance
from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and
(f) If the child-custody determination has been registered and
confirmed under section 14-13-305, the date and place of registration.
(3) Upon the filing of a petition for expedited enforcement
pursuant to this section, the court shall issue an order directing the
respondent to appear in person at a hearing, with or without the child, 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.
(4) An order issued under subsection (3) of this section 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
14-13-312, and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is
appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that:
(a) The child-custody determination has not been registered and
confirmed under section 14-13-305 and that:
(I) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under a
provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with
part 2 of this article;
(II) The child-custody determination for which enforcement is
sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to
do so under a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial
conformity with part 2 of this article;
(III) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not
given in accordance with the standards substantially in conformity with the
standards of section 14-13-108, in the proceedings before the court that issued
the order for which enforcement is sought; or
(b) The child-custody determination for which enforcement is
sought was registered and confirmed under a provision of law adopted by that
state that is in substantial conformity with section 14-13-304, but has been
vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so
under a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity
with part 2 of this article.
14-13-309. Service of petition and order
Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-311, 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.
14-13-310. Hearing and order
(1) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant
to section 14-13-204, 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:
(a) The child-custody determination has not been registered and
confirmed under section 14-13-305 and that:
(I) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under part 2 of
this article;
(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 a provision of law adopted by that state that is in
substantial conformity with part 2 of this article; or
(III) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not
given in accordance with standards in substantial conformity with the standards
set forth in section 14-13-108, in the proceedings before the court that issued
the order for which enforcement is sought; or
(b) The child-custody determination for which enforcement is
sought was registered and confirmed under section 14-13-305 but has been
vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so
under part 3 of this article.
(2) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses
authorized under section 14-13-312 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.
(3) 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.
(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 may not be invoked in a proceeding under this part 3.
14-13-311. Warrant to take physical custody of child
(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
immediately likely to suffer serious 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 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 14-13-308 (2).
(3) A warrant to take physical custody of a child must:
(a) Recite the facts upon which a conclusion of imminent serious
physical harm or removal from the jurisdiction is based;
(b) Direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of
the child immediately; and
(c) Provide 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 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.
(6) The court may impose conditions upon placement of a child to
ensure the appearance of the child and the child's custodian.
14-13-312. Costs, fees, and expenses
(1) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a
state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the
prevailing party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney 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.
(2) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a
state unless authorized by law other than this article.
14-13-313. 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 article 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
a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with
part 2 of this article.
14-13-314. Appeals
An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under
this part 3 in accordance with expedited appellate procedures in other civil
cases. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under section
14-13-204, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child-custody
determination pending appeal.
14-13-401. Application and construction
In applying and construing this article, consideration must be
given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject
matter among states that enact it.
14-13-402. Severability clause
If any provision of this article or its application to any person
or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions
or applications of this article that can be given effect without the invalid
provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this article are
severable.
14-13-403. Transitional provision
A motion or other request for relief made in a child-custody
proceeding or to enforce a child-custody determination that was commenced before
July 1, 2000, is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other
request was made.

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