§ 5916 — Appropriate forum

(a) Decline to exercise jurisdiction.--A court of this Commonwealth having jurisdiction under section 5913 (relating to jurisdiction) to appoint a guardian or issue a protective order may decline to exercise its jurisdiction if it determines at any time that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum.

(b) Procedure.--If a court of this Commonwealth declines to exercise its jurisdiction under subsection (a), it shall either dismiss or stay the proceeding. The court may impose any condition the court considers just and proper, including the condition that a petition for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a protective order be filed promptly in another state.

(c) Consideration.--In determining whether it is an appropriate forum, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including:

(1) any expressed preference of the respondent;

(2) whether abuse, neglect or exploitation of the respondent has occurred or is likely to occur and which state could best protect the respondent from the abuse, neglect or exploitation;

(3) the length of time the respondent was physically present in or was a legal resident of this Commonwealth or another state;

(4) the distance of the respondent from the court in each state;

(5) the financial circumstances of the respondent's estate;

(6) the nature and location of the evidence;

(7) the ability of the court in each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present evidence;

(8) the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the proceeding; and

(9) if an appointment were made, the court's ability to monitor the conduct of the guardian or conservator.

Legislative History

Cross References.Section 5916 is referred to in sections 5913, 5917 of this title.