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Legal Information: Alaska

Statutes: Alaska

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Updated: 
August 8, 2023

Sec. 25.30.370. Jurisdiction declined because of conduct

(a) Except as otherwise provided in AS 25.30.330, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this chapter because a person invoking the jurisdiction has engaged in wrongful 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 AS 25.30.300– 25.30.320 determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under provisions substantially similar to AS 25.30.360; or
(3) no court of another state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in AS 25.30.300–25.30.320.

(b) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction under (a) of this section, it may fashion an appropriate remedy to ensure the safety of the child and prevent a repetition of the wrongful conduct, including staying the proceeding, until a child custody proceeding is commenced in a court having jurisdiction under provisions substantially similar to AS 25.30.300– 25.30.320.

(c) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction under (a) of this section, that court 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 against whom the assessment is 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.