Opinion ID: 1934936
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The application of the PKPA

Text: We first consider whether the PKPA applies in the instant case. The question of its applicability was not raised until this appeal, and the judgment involved was an initial custody determination rather than an enforcement or modification proceeding. Contrary to Darla's contention that Matthew waived the issue of the applicability of the PKPA by not mentioning it until this appeal, Matthew's argument raises questions of subject matter jurisdiction, which may be raised at any time. M.R.Civ.P. 12(h)(3); Jones v. York, 444 A.2d 382, 384 (Me.1982). It is true that the PKPA most specifically provides guidelines for according full faith and credit to custody decrees. See Peterson v. Peterson, 464 A.2d 202, 204 and n. 1 (Me.1983) (describing the purposes of the UCCJA and the PKPA). The language of the PKPA, its relationship to the UCCJA, the purposes of both statutes, and the course of the instant case make it clear, however, that ignoring the PKPA at the initial custody determination risks chaos. Both statutes provide guidelines intended to prevent jurisdictional disputes and promote interstate cooperation. The PKPA provides: The appropriate authorities of every State shall enforce according to its terms, and shall not modify except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, any child custody determination made consistently with the provisions of this section by a court of another State. 28 U.S.C.A. § 1738A(a) (1994). We cautioned practitioners when the PKPA was enacted to consider it in conjunction with the UCCJA. Spaulding v. Spaulding, 460 A.2d 1360, 1363 n. 3 (Me.1983). See also Jon D. Levy, MAINE FAMILY LAW, § 2.4.1, n. 40; Atkins v. Atkins, 308 Ark. 1, 823 S.W.2d 816, 819 (Ark.1992) (Although the PKPA only applies directly to modification proceedings, it also indirectly governs initial custody determinations.) The requirement is clear: to be accorded full faith and credit, child custody determinations must be consistent with the terms and provisions of the PKPA.