US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

A. Jurisdiction for child custody proceedings is governed by chapter 8 of this title.

B. A child custody proceeding is commenced in the superior court:

1. By a parent, by filing a petition for either of the following:

(a) Dissolution or legal separation.

(b) Custody of a child born out of wedlock if there has been a prior establishment of maternity or paternity.

2. By a person other than a parent, by filing a petition for custody of the child in the county in which the child is permanently resident or found, but only if the child is not in the physical custody of one of the child's parents.

3. At the request of any person who is a party to a maternity or paternity proceeding pursuant to chapter 6, article 1 of this title.