Indiana § 31-21-5-6 - Proceeding commenced in another state; court review of documents
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-21-5-6 — Proceeding commenced in another state; court review of documents, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-21-5-6. Proceeding commenced in another state; court review of documents
Sec. 6. (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 4 of this chapter, an Indiana court may not exercise its jurisdiction under this article if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this article, unless the proceeding:
(1) has been terminated; or
(2) is stayed by the court of the other state because an Indiana court is a more convenient forum under section 8 of this chapter.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in section 4 of this chapter, an Indiana court, before hearing a child custody proceeding, shall examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties under sections 10 through 13 of this chapter. If the court determines that a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this article, the Indiana court shall:
(1) stay its proceeding; and
(2) communicate with the court of the other state.
If the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this article does not determine that the Indiana court is a more appropriate forum, the Indiana court shall dismiss the proceeding.
As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-21-5-6
What does Indiana Code § 31-21-5-6 cover?
Section 31-21-5-6 ("Proceeding commenced in another state; court review of documents") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. 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 Indiana § 31-21-5-6?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-21-5-6" (Indiana). 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 Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 31-21-5-6 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana 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 Indiana.