The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 15 : Domestic Relations

Chapter 020 : Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

Subchapter 002 : Jurisdiction

• § 1078. Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct

  (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 1074 of this title or other Vermont law, if a Vermont court has jurisdiction under this chapter because a person seeking to invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:

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

  (2) a court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under sections 1071-1073 of this title determines that Vermont is a more appropriate forum under section 1077 of this title; or

  (3) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in sections 1071-1073 of this title.

  (b) If a Vermont court declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a) 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 sections 1071-1073 of this title.

  (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 may assess against the party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction necessary and reasonable expenses, including costs, communication expenses, attorney’s 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 Vermont unless authorized by law other than this chapter. (Added 2011, No. 29, § 1.)