US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

      (a)      An equity court has jurisdiction over:

            (1)      adoption of a child, except for a child who is under the jurisdiction of any juvenile court and who previously has been adjudicated to be a child in need of assistance;

            (2)      alimony;

            (3)      annulment of a marriage;

            (4)      divorce;

            (5)      custody or guardianship of a child except for a child who is under the jurisdiction of any juvenile court and who previously has been adjudicated to be a child in need of assistance;

            (6)      visitation of a child;

            (7)      legitimation of a child;

            (8)      paternity; and

            (9)      support of a child.

      (b)      In exercising its jurisdiction over the custody, guardianship, visitation, or support of a child, an equity court may:

            (1)      direct who shall have the custody or guardianship of a child, pendente lite or permanently;

            (2)      determine who shall have visitation rights to a child;

            (3)      decide who shall be charged with the support of the child, pendente lite or permanently;

            (4)      from time to time, set aside or modify its decree or order concerning the child; or

            (5)      issue an injunction to protect a party to the action from physical harm or harassment.

      (c)      This section does not take away or impair the jurisdiction of a juvenile court or a criminal court with respect to the custody, guardianship, visitation, and support of a child.