19-9-61
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19-9-61.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-9-64, 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 paragraph (1) of this
subsection, 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
Code Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68 and:
(A)
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
(B)
Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child´s
care, protection, training, and personal relationships;
(3)
All courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection
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 Code
Section 19-9-67 or 19-9-68; or
(4)
No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified
in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this Code section 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.