2016 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 14 - Domestic Matters
Dissolution of Marriage - Parental Responsibilities
Article 13 - Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
Part 2 - Jurisdiction
§ 14-13-208. Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct

(1) Except as otherwise provided in section 14-13-204, or by other law of this state, if a person seeking to invoke the jurisdiction of a court of this state under this article has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:

(a) The parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;

(b) A court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203 determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with section 14-13-207; or

(c) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203.

(2) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, 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 a provision of law adopted by that state that is in substantial conformity with sections 14-13-201 to 14-13-203.

(3) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, it shall assess against the party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorney 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 article.