2020 Wyoming Statutes
Title 20 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 5 - Child Custody
Article 3 - Jurisdiction
Section 20-5-308 - Jurisdiction Declined by Reason of Conduct.
20-5-308. Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in W.S. 20-5-304 or by other law of this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this act because a person seeking to invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:
(i) The parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;
(ii) A court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under a provision of law from that state that is in substantial conformity with W.S. 20-5-301 through 20-5-303 determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under a provision of law from that state that is in substantial conformity with W.S. 20-5-307; or
(iii) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in a provision of law from that state that is in substantial conformity with W.S. 20-5-301 through 20-5-303.
(b) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, it may provide 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 from that state that is in substantial conformity with W.S. 20-5-301 through 20-5-303.
(c) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a) 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 act.
