§ 19-A §1752 — Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct

1.
Jurisdiction based on unjustifiable conduct.
Except as otherwise provided in section 1748 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:
2.
Appropriate remedy.
If a court of this State declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection 1, 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 sections 1745 to 1747.
3.
Assessment of expenses.
If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection 1, 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.

Legislative History

PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).