reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 17 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 9-17-101 — 9-17-905) › 9 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS (§§ 9-17-901 — 9-17-905) › Section 9-17-901 - Uniformity of application and construction

In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 888,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2015
Acts 1993, No. 468, § 1
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 17 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 9-17-101 — 9-17-905) › 9 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS (§§ 9-17-901 — 9-17-905) › Section 9-17-902 - Transitional provision

This chapter applies to proceedings begun on or after July 1, 2015 to establish a support order or determine parentage of a child or to register, recognize, enforce, or modify a prior support order, determination, or agreement, whenever issued or entered.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 888,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2015
Acts 1993, No. 468, § 1
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 18 - QUALIFIED DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS (§§ 9-18-101 — 9-18-103) › Section 9-18-101 - Definitions

As used in this chapter:
(1)
"Circuit court" means the equity court of each county in the State of Arkansas created under §
16-13-301
[repealed];
(2)
"Domestic relations order" means any judgment, decree, or order, including approval of a property settlement agreement, that relates to the provisions for child support, alimony payment, or marital property rights to a spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependents of a participant under Arkansas law;
(3)
"Participant" means any person or member of a retirement plan;
(4)
"Qualified domestic relations order" means a domestic relations order:
(A)
Which creates or recognizes the existence of an alternate payee's right to, or assigns to an alternate payee the right to, receive all or a portion of the benefits payable with respect to a participant's retirement plan;
(B)
Which clearly specifies the name and last known mailing address, if any, of the participant and the name and mailing address of each alternate payee covered by the order, the amount or percentage of the participant's benefits to be paid by the plan to each alternate payee or the manner in which the amount or percentage is determined, the number of payments or period of time to which the order applies, and each retirement plan to which the order applies; and
(C)
Which does not require the retirement plan to provide any type or form of benefit, or pay options not otherwise available under the plan, does not require the plan to provide increased benefits, and does not require the payment of benefits to an alternate payee that are required to be paid to another alternate payee under another order previously determined to be a qualified domestic relations order; and
(5)
"Retirement plan" means any retirement plan, private or public, including, but not limited to:
(A)
The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System;
(B)
The State Police Retirement System;
(C)
The Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System;
(D)
The Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System;
(E)
The Arkansas Judicial Retirement System; and
(F)
Other state-supported alternate retirement systems.
Acts 1993, No. 1143, § 1
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 18 - QUALIFIED DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS (§§ 9-18-101 — 9-18-103) › Section 9-18-102 - Orders to reach retirement benefits

(a)
Notwithstanding §
24-3-212
[repealed] and §
24-7-715
or any other laws of Arkansas limiting the application of legal process to any retirement plans, the circuit courts of Arkansas are empowered to enter qualified domestic relations orders to reach any and all retirement annuities and benefits of any retirement plan.
(b)
The qualified domestic relations order of the circuit court is authorized to specify that a designated percent of a fractional interest on any retirement benefit payment may be paid to an alternate payee.
Acts 1993, No. 1143, § 2; 1995, No. 644, § 1
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 18 - QUALIFIED DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS (§§ 9-18-101 — 9-18-103) › Section 9-18-103 - Orders to reach public employees' retirement benefits

(a)
Notwithstanding §
24-3-212
[repealed] and §
24-7-715
or any other laws of Arkansas limiting the application of legal process to any retirement plans, the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, the State Police Retirement System, the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System, the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, the Arkansas Judicial Retirement System, and any other state-supported retirement system shall comply with any qualified domestic relations order as defined in this chapter.
(b)
The boards of trustees of the state-supported retirement systems shall:
(1)
Establish rules to implement this chapter; and
(2)
(A)
Adopt a uniform legal form for use in preparing a qualified domestic relations order for each retirement plan.
(B)
(i)
The state-supported retirement system's uniform legal form of the qualified domestic relations order shall be approved by the Legislative Council.
(ii)
A state-supported retirement system is not required to comply with a qualified domestic relations order that does not substantially follow the uniform legal form approved by the Legislative Council.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 44,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013
Acts 1993, No. 1143, § 3
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-101 - Short title

This chapter may be cited as the "Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act".
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 101
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-103 - Proceedings governed by other law

This chapter does not govern an adoption proceeding or a proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a child.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 103
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-104 - Application to Indian tribes

(a)
A child-custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act,
25 U.S.C. § 1901
et seq., is not subject to this chapter to the extent that it is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act.
(b)
A court of this state shall treat a tribe as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying subchapters 1 and 2 of this chapter.
(c)
A child-custody determination made by a tribe under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under subchapter 3 of this chapter.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 104
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-105 - Internal application of chapter

(a)
A court of this state shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying subchapters 1 and 2 of this chapter.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a child-custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under subchapter 3 of this chapter.
(c)
A court of this state need not apply this chapter if the child custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human rights.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 105
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-106 - Effect of child-custody determination

A child-custody determination made by a court of this state that had jurisdiction under this chapter binds all persons who have been served in accordance with the laws of this state or notified in accordance with §
9-19-108
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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 106
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-107 - Priority

If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this chapter is raised in a child-custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 107
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-108 - Notice to persons outside state

(a)
Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this state for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are not effective.
(b)
Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of this state or by the law of the state in which the service is made.
(c)
Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 108
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-109 - Appearance and limited immunity

(a)
A party to a child-custody proceeding, including a modification proceeding, or a petitioner or respondent in a proceeding to enforce or register a child-custody determination, is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state for another proceeding or purpose solely by reason of having participated, or of having been physically present for the purpose of participating, in the proceeding.
(b)
A person who is subject to personal jurisdiction in this state on a basis other than physical presence is not immune from service of process in this state. A party present in this state who is subject to the jurisdiction of another state is not immune from service of process allowable under the laws of that state.
(c)
The immunity granted by subsection (a) of this section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to the participation in a proceeding under this chapter committed by an individual while present in this state.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 109
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-110 - Communication between courts

(a)
A court of this state may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under this chapter.
(b)
The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, they must be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on jurisdiction is made.
(c)
Communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court records, and similar matters may occur without informing the parties. A record need not be made of the communication.
(d)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) 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.
(e)
For the purposes of this section, "record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 110
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-111 - Taking testimony in another state

(a)
In addition to other procedures available to a party, a party to a child-custody proceeding may offer testimony of witnesses who are located in another state, including testimony of the parties and the child, by deposition or other means allowable in this state for testimony taken in another state. The court on its own motion may order that the testimony of a person be taken in another state and may prescribe the manner in which and the terms upon which the testimony is taken.
(b)
A court of this state may permit an individual residing in another state to be deposed or to testify by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means before a designated court or at another location in that state. A court of this state shall cooperate with courts of other states in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.
(c)
Documentary evidence transmitted from another state to a court of this state by technological means that do not produce an original writing may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 111
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-112) › Section 9-19-112 - Cooperation between courts - Preservation of records

(a)
A court of this state may request the appropriate court of another state to:
(1)
hold an evidentiary hearing;
(2)
order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to procedures of that state;
(3)
order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child involved in a pending proceeding;
(4)
forward to the court of this state a certified copy of the transcript of the record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented, and any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and
(5)
order a party to a child-custody proceeding or any person having physical custody of the child to appear in the proceeding with or without the child.
(b)
Upon request of a court of another state, a court of this state may hold a hearing or enter an order described in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under subsections (a) and (b) of this section may be assessed against the parties according to the law of this state.
(d)
A court of this state shall preserve the pleadings, orders, decrees, records of hearings, evaluations, and other pertinent records with respect to a child-custody proceeding until the child attains eighteen (18) years of age. Upon appropriate request by a court or law enforcement official of another state, the court shall forward a certified copy of those records.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 112
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-201 - Initial child-custody jurisdiction

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in §
9-19-204
, a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child-custody determination only if:
(1)
this state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six (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;
(2)
a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, 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 §
9-19-207
or §
9-19-208
, and:
(A)
the child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one (1) parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and
(B)
substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;
(3)
all courts having jurisdiction under subdivision (a)(1) or (2) of this section 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 §
9-19-207
or §
9-19-208
; or
(4)
no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subdivision (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child-custody determination by a court of this state.
(c)
Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child-custody determination.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 201
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-202 - Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in §
9-19-204
, a court of this state which has made a child-custody determination consistent with §
9-19-201
or §
9-19-203
has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until:
(1)
a court of this state determines that neither the child, nor the child and one (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; or
(2)
a court of this state or a court of another state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in this state.
(b)
A court of this state which has made a child-custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under §
9-19-201
.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 202
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-203 - Jurisdiction to modify determination

Except as otherwise provided in §
9-19-204
, 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 §
9-19-201(a)(1) or (2)
and:
(1)
the court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under §
9-19-202
or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under §
9-19-207
; or
(2)
a court of this state or a court of the other state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in the other state.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 203
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-204 - Temporary emergency jurisdiction

(a)
A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.
(b)
If there is no previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, and a child-custody proceeding has not been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
, 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 §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
. If a child-custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
, a child-custody determination made under this section becomes a final determination, if it so provides and this state becomes the home state of the child.
(c)
If there is a previous child-custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, or a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
, 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 §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
. The order issued in this state remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the period expires.
(d)
A court of this state which has been asked to make a child-custody determination under this section, upon being informed that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child-custody determination has been made by, a court of a state having jurisdiction under §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
, shall immediately communicate with the other court. A court of this state which is exercising jurisdiction pursuant to §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
, 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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 204
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-205 - Notice - Opportunity to be heard - Joinder

(a)
Before a child-custody determination is made under this chapter, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of §
9-19-108
must be given to all persons entitled to notice under the law of this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state, any parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated, and any person having physical custody of the child.
(b)
This chapter does not govern the enforceability of a child-custody determination made without notice or an opportunity to be heard.
(c)
The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as a party in a child-custody proceeding under this chapter are governed by the law of this state as in child-custody proceedings between residents of this state.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 205
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-206 - Simultaneous proceedings

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in §
9-19-204
, a court of this state may not exercise its jurisdiction under this subchapter 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 chapter, 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 §
9-19-207
.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in §
9-19-204
, 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 §
9-19-209
. If the court determines that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter, 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 chapter does not determine that the court of this state is a more appropriate forum, the court of this state shall dismiss the proceeding.
(c)
In a proceeding to modify a child-custody determination, a court of this state shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the determination has been commenced in another state. If a proceeding to enforce a child-custody determination has been commenced in another state, the court may:
(1)
stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing the proceeding for enforcement;
(2)
enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement; or
(3)
proceed with the modification under conditions it considers appropriate.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 206
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-207 - Inconvenient forum

(a)
A court of this state which has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child-custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court's own motion, or request of another court.
(b)
Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:
(1)
whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;
(2)
the length of time the child has resided outside this state;
(3)
the distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;
(4)
the relative financial circumstances of the parties;
(5)
any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;
(6)
the nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;
(7)
the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
(8)
the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.
(c)
If a court of this state determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child-custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.
(d)
A court of this state may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter 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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 207
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-208 - Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in §
9-19-204
or by other law of this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this chapter because a person seeking to invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:
(1)
the parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;
(2)
a court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under §
9-19-207
; or
(3)
no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
.
(b)
If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a) 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 §§
9-19-201
-
9-19-203
.
(c)
If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, it shall assess against the party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorney's fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees are sought establishes that the assessment would be clearly inappropriate. The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against this state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 208
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-209 - Information to be submitted to court

(a)
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 (5) years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that period. The pleading or affidavit must state whether the party:
(1)
has participated, as a party or witness or in any other capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the date of the child-custody determination, if any;
(2)
knows of any proceeding that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; and
(3)
knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to the proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of, or visitation with, the child and, if so, the names and addresses of those persons.
(b)
If the information required by subsection (a) 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.
(c)
If the declaration as to any of the items described in subdivisions (a)(1)-(3) 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.
(d)
Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.
(e)
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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 209
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 9-19-201 — 9-19-210) › Section 9-19-210 - Appearance of parties and child

(a)
In a child-custody proceeding in this state, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this state and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child.
(b)
If a party to a child-custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this state, the court may order that a notice given pursuant to §
9-19-108
include a statement directing the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party.
(c)
The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section.
(d)
If a party to a child-custody proceeding who is outside this state is directed to appear under subsection (b) 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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 210
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-301 - Definitions

In this subchapter:
(1)
"Petitioner" means a person who seeks enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child-custody determination.
(2)
"Respondent" means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child-custody determination.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 301
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-302 - Enforcement under Hague Convention

Under this subchapter 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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 302
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-303 - Duty to enforce

(a)
A court of this state shall recognize and enforce a child-custody determination of a court of another state if the latter court exercised jurisdiction in substantial conformity with this chapter or the determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional standards of this chapter and the determination has not been modified in accordance with this chapter.
(b)
A court of this state may utilize any remedy available under other law of this state to enforce a child-custody determination made by a court of another state. The remedies provided in this subchapter are cumulative and do not affect the availability of other remedies to enforce a child-custody determination.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 303
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-304 - Temporary visitation

(a)
A court of this state which does not have jurisdiction to modify a child-custody determination, may issue a temporary order enforcing:
(1)
a visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or
(2)
the visitation provisions of a child-custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule.
(b)
If a court of this state makes an order under subdivision (a)(2) 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 the criteria specified in subchapter 2 of this chapter. The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 304
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-306 - Enforcement of registered determination

(a)
A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the law of this state to enforce a registered child-custody determination made by a court of another state.
(b)
A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with subchapter 2 of this chapter, a registered child-custody determination of a court of another state.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 306
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-307 - Simultaneous proceedings

If a proceeding for enforcement under this subchapter 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 subchapter 2 of this chapter, 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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 307
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-309 - Service of petition and orders

Except as otherwise provided in §
9-19-311
, 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.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 309
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-310 - Hearing and order

(a)
Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to §
9-19-204
, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that:
(1)
the child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under §
9-19-305
and that:
(A)
the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under subchapter 2 of this chapter;
(B)
the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter; or
(C)
the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of §
9-19-108
, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or
(2)
the child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under §
9-19-305
but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter.
(b)
The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under §
9-19-312
and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.
(c)
If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.
(d)
A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this subchapter.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 310
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-311 - Warrant to take physical custody of child

(a)
Upon the filing of a petition seeking enforcement of a child-custody determination, the petitioner may file a verified application for the issuance of a warrant to take physical custody of the child if the child is immediately likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this state.
(b)
If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other witness, finds that the child is imminently likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this state, it may issue a warrant to take physical custody of the child. The petition must be heard on the next judicial day after the warrant is executed unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The application for the warrant must include the statements required by §
9-19-308(b)
.
(c)
A warrant to take physical custody of a child must:
(1)
recite the facts upon which a conclusion of imminent serious physical harm or removal from the jurisdiction is based;
(2)
direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the child immediately; and
(3)
provide for the placement of the child pending final relief.
(d)
The respondent must be served with the petition, warrant, and order immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.
(e)
A warrant to take physical custody of a child is enforceable throughout this state. If the court finds on the basis of the testimony of the petitioner or other witness that a less intrusive remedy is not effective, it may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances of the case, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.
(f)
The court may impose conditions upon placement of a child to ensure the appearance of the child and the child's custodian.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 311
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-312 - Costs, fees, and expenses

(a)
The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney's fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(b)
The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 312
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-313 - 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 chapter which enforces a child-custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter 2 of this chapter.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 313
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 9 - FAMILY LAW (§§ 9-2-101 — 9-34-204) › Subtitle 2 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 9-8-101 — 9) › Chapter 19 - UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (§§ 9-19-101 — 9-19-402) › Subchapter 3 - ENFORCEMENT (§§ 9-19-301 — 9-19-317) › Section 9-19-314 - Appeals

An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under this subchapter in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules of Appellate Procedure. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under §
9-19-204
, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child-custody determination pending appeal.
Acts 1999, No. 668, § 314