2007 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 518D. UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT

GENERAL PROVISIONS

518D.101 SHORT TITLE.
This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
History: 1999 c 74 s 1

518D.102 DEFINITIONS.
(a) The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.
(b) "Abandoned" means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or
supervision.
(c) "Child" means an individual who has not attained 18 years of age.
(d) "Child custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court
providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child. The term
includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order. The term does not include an
order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.
(e) "Child custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody,
or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce,
separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and
protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear. The term does not include
a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under
sections 518D.301 to 518D.317.
(f) "Commencement" means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.
(g) "Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or
modify a child custody determination.
(h) "Home state" means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as
a parent for at least six consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child
custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than six months of age, the term means the state
in which the child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary
absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.
(i) "Initial determination" means the first child custody determination concerning a particular
child.
(j) "Issuing court" means the court that makes a child custody determination for which
enforcement is sought under this chapter.
(k) "Issuing state" means the state in which a child custody determination is made.
(l) "Modification" means a child custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes,
or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same child, whether or not
it is made by the court that made the previous determination.
(m) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership,
limited liability company, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision,
agency, or instrumentality, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(n) "Person acting as a parent" means a person, other than a parent, who:
(1) has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period of six
consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within one year immediately before the
commencement of a child custody proceeding; and
(2) has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a right to legal custody under
the law of this state.
(o) "Physical custody" means the physical care and supervision of a child.
(p) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction
of the United States.
(q) "Tribe" means an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan native village, which is recognized by
federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.
(r) "Warrant" means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take
physical custody of a child.
History: 1999 c 74 art 1 s 2

518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 3

518D.104 APPLICATION TO INDIAN TRIBES.
(a) A child custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child
Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, section 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 sections 518D.101 to 518D.210.
(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 sections 518D.301 to 518D.317.
History: 1999 c 74 s 4

518D.105 INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION.
(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 sections 518D.101 to 518D.210.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c), 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 sections 518D.301 to 518D.317.
(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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 5

518D.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 section 518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 6

518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 7

518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 8

518D.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 paragraph (a) 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 9

518D.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 paragraph (c), 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 10

518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 11

518D.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 paragraph (a).
(c) Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under paragraphs (a) and
(b) 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 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 12

JURISDICTION

518D.201 INITIAL CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 518D.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 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 clause (1), 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 section 518D.207 or 518D.208, and:
(i) the child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a
parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and
(ii) substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection,
training, and personal relationships;
(3) all courts having jurisdiction under clause (1) or (2) 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 section 518D.207 or 518D.208; or
(4) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in clause
(1), (2), or (3).
(b) Paragraph (a) 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 1

518D.202 EXCLUSIVE, CONTINUING JURISDICTION.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 518D.204, a court of this state which has made
a child custody determination consistent with section 518D.201 or 518D.203 has exclusive,
continuing jurisdiction over the determination until:
(1) a court of this state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting
as a parent do not 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 section 518D.201.
History: 1999 c 74 s 2

518D.203 JURISDICTION TO MODIFY DETERMINATION.
Except as otherwise provided in section 518D.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 section 518D.201, paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2), and:
(1) the court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction
under section 518D.202 or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under
section 518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 3

518D.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 sections 518D.201 to 518D.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
sections 518D.201 to 518D.203. If a child custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced
in a court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 518D.201 to 518D.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 sections 518D.201 to 518D.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 sections 518D.201 to
518D.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 sections
518D.201 to 518D.203, shall immediately communicate with the other court. A court of this state
which is exercising jurisdiction pursuant to sections 518D.201 to 518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 4

518D.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 section 518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 5

518D.206 SIMULTANEOUS PROCEEDINGS.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 518D.204, a court of this state may not exercise
its jurisdiction under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210 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 section 518D.207.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in section 518D.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 section 518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 6

518D.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 marriage dissolution or another proceeding
while still retaining jurisdiction over the marriage dissolution or other proceeding.
History: 1999 c 74 s 7

518D.208 JURISDICTION DECLINED BY REASON OF CONDUCT.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 518D.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 sections 518D.201 to 518D.203
determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under section 518D.207; or
(3) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in sections
518D.201 to 518D.203.
(b) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to paragraph (a), 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 518D.201 to 518D.203.
(c) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise
its jurisdiction pursuant to paragraph (a), 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 8

518D.209 INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO COURT.
(a) Subject to sections 518.68, subdivision 1, and 518B.01, subdivision 3b, 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 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 paragraph (a) 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 paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3), 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 9

518D.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 section 518D.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 paragraph (b) 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 10

ENFORCEMENT

518D.301 DEFINITIONS.
In sections 518D.301 to 518D.317:
(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; and
(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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 1

518D.302 ENFORCEMENT UNDER HAGUE CONVENTION.
Under sections 518D.301 to 518D.317 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 2

518D.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 sections 518D.301 to 518D.317 are cumulative and do not affect the availability of other
remedies to enforce a child custody determination.
History: 1999 c 74 s 3

518D.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 paragraph (a), clause (2), 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 sections 518D.201 to 518D.210. The order
remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.
History: 1999 c 74 s 4

518D.305 REGISTRATION OF CHILD CUSTODY DETERMINATION.
(a) A child custody determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in
this state, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to the district
court in this state:
(1) a letter or other document requesting registration;
(2) two copies, including one certified copy, of the determination sought to be registered, and
a statement under penalty of perjury that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person
seeking registration the order has not been modified; and
(3) except as otherwise provided in section 518D.209, the name and address of the person
seeking registration and any parent or person acting as a parent who has been awarded custody or
visitation in the child custody determination sought to be registered.
(b) On receipt of the documents required by paragraph (a), the registering court shall:
(1) cause the determination to be filed as a foreign judgment, together with one copy of any
accompanying documents and information, regardless of their form; and
(2) serve notice upon the persons named pursuant to paragraph (a), clause (3), and provide
them with an opportunity to contest the registration in accordance with this section.
(c) The notice required by paragraph (b), clause (2), must state that:
(1) a registered determination is enforceable as of the date of the registration in the same
manner as a determination issued by a court of this state;
(2) a hearing to contest the validity of the registered determination must be requested within
20 days after service of notice; and
(3) failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child custody
determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that
could have been asserted.
(d) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered order must request a hearing
within 20 days after service of the notice. At that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered
order unless the person contesting registration establishes that:
(1) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210;
(2) the child custody determination sought to be registered has been vacated, stayed, or
modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210; or
(3) the person contesting registration was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in
accordance with the standards of section 518D.108, in the proceedings before the court that
issued the order for which registration is sought.
(e) If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registration is not made, the
registration is confirmed as a matter of law and the person requesting registration and all persons
served must be notified of the confirmation.
(f) Confirmation of a registered order, whether by operation of law or after notice and
hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been
asserted at the time of registration.
History: 1999 c 74 s 5

518D.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 sections 518D.201 to 518D.210, a registered child custody determination of a
court of another state.
History: 1999 c 74 s 6

518D.307 SIMULTANEOUS PROCEEDINGS.
If a proceeding for enforcement under sections 518D.301 to 518D.317 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 sections
518D.201 to 518D.210, 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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 7

518D.308 EXPEDITED ENFORCEMENT OF CHILD CUSTODY DETERMINATION.
(a) A petition under sections 518D.301 to 518D.317 must be verified. Certified copies of
all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the
petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.
(b) A petition for enforcement of a child custody determination must state:
(1) whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied
upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;
(2) whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed,
or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this chapter and, if so, identify
the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;
(3) whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding,
including 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;
(4) the present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known;
(5) whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney's
fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the
relief sought; and
(6) if the child custody determination has been registered and confirmed under section
518D.305, the date and place of registration.
(c) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to
appear in person with or without the child at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to
ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial
day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold
the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the
request of the petitioner.
(d) An order issued under paragraph (c) must state the time and place of the hearing
and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take
immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under
section 518D.312, and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate,
unless the respondent appears and establishes that:
(1) the child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under section
518D.305 and that:
(i) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210;
(ii) the child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated,
stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210;
(iii) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the
standards of section 518D.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 section 518D.304, but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state
having jurisdiction to do so under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210.
History: 1999 c 74 s 8

518D.309 SERVICE OF PETITION AND ORDER.
Except as otherwise provided in section 518D.311, the petition and order must be served by
any method authorized by law upon the respondent and any person who has physical custody of
the child.
History: 1999 c 74 s 9

518D.310 HEARING AND ORDER.
(a) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to section 518D.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 section
518D.305 and that:
(i) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210;
(ii) 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 sections 518D.201
to 518D.210; or
(iii) the respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the
standards of section 518D.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 section 518D.305 but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state
having jurisdiction to do so under sections 518D.201 to 518D.210.
(b) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under section 518D.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 sections 518D.301 to 518D.317.
History: 1999 c 74 s 10

518D.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 section 518D.308, paragraph (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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 11

518D.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.
History: 1999 c 74 s 12

518D.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 sections 518D.201 to 518D.210.
History: 1999 c 74 s 13

518D.314 APPEALS.
An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under sections 518D.301 to
518D.317 in accordance with Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 127. Unless the court
enters a temporary emergency order under section 518D.204, the enforcing court may not stay an
order enforcing a child custody determination pending appeal.
History: 1999 c 74 s 14

518D.315 ROLE OF PROSECUTOR.
(a) In a case arising under this chapter or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil
Aspects of International Child Abduction, the prosecutor or other appropriate public official may
take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under sections 518D.301 to 518D.317 or
any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a
child custody determination if there is:
(1) an existing child custody determination;
(2) a request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding;
(3) a reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or
(4) a reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of
the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
(b) A prosecutor acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent
any party.
History: 1999 c 74 s 15

518D.316 ROLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
At the request of a prosecutor acting under section 518D.315, a law enforcement officer may
take any lawful action reasonably necessary to locate a child or a party and assist a prosecutor
with responsibilities under section 518D.315.
History: 1999 c 74 s 16

518D.317 COSTS AND EXPENSES.
If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess against the respondent all
direct expenses and costs incurred by the prosecutor and law enforcement officers under section
518D.315 or 518D.316.
History: 1999 c 74 s 17