Guam § 39102 - Definitions.
Full text of Guam Guam Code Annotated § 39102 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39102. Definitions.
As used in this Act:
(a) ‘Abandoned’ means left without provision for reasonable and
necessary care or supervision.
(b) ‘Child’ means an individual who has not attained eighteen (18)
years of age.
(c) ‘Child-custody determination’ means a judgment, decree, or
COL11192013
CH. 39 UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT
other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody,
or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent,
temporary, initial, and modification order. The term does not include an
order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an
individual.
(d) ‘Child-custody proceeding’ means a proceeding in which legal
custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is an
issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect,
abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental
rights, and protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may
appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile
delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under Article 3.
(e) ‘Commencement’ means the filing of the first pleading in a
proceeding.
(f) ‘Court’ means an entity authorized under the law of a State or
Territory to establish, enforce, or modify a child-custody determination.
(g) ‘Home State’ means the State or Territory in which a child
lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least six (6)
consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child-
custody proceeding. In the case of a child less than six (6) months of
age, the term means the State or Territory in which the child lived from
birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary absence
of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.
(h) ‘Initial determination’ means the first child-custody
determination concerning a particular child.
(i) ‘Issuing court’ means the court that makes a child-custody
determination for which enforcement is sought under this Act.
(j) ‘Issuing State’ means the State or Territory in which a child-
custody determination is made.
(k) ‘Modification’ means a child-custody determination that
changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous
determination concerning the same child, whether or not it is made by
the court that made the previous determination.
(l) ‘Person’ means an individual, corporation, business trust,
estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint
venture, government; governmental subdivision, agency, or
COL11192013
CH. 39 UNIFORM CHILD-CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT
instrumentality; public corporation; or any other legal or commercial
entity.
(m) ‘Person acting as a parent’ means a person, other than a
parent, who:
(1 has physical custody of the child or has had physical
custody for a period of six (6) consecutive months, including any
temporary absence, within one (1) year immediately before the
commencement of a child-custody proceeding; and
(2) has been awarded legal custody by a court or claims a
right to legal custody under the laws of Guam.
(n) ‘physical custody’ means the physical care and supervision of a
child.
(o) ‘State’ means a State of the United States, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam or any
territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States.
(p) ‘Warrant’ means an order issued by a court authorizing law
enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.
2013 NOTE: Numbers and/or letters were altered to adhere to the Compiler’s alpha-
numeric scheme in accordance to 1 GCA § 1606.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guam § 39102
What does Guam Code Annotated § 39102 cover?
Section 39102 ("Definitions.") is part of the Guam Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Guam. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Guam § 39102?
A common citation format is "Guam Code Annotated § 39102" (Guam). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Guam law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Guam official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Guam attorney.
How does Guam § 39102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Guam can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Guam.