Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-11-204 — Temporary emergency jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 81-11-204. Temporary emergency jurisdiction.
Effective 9/1/2025
81-11-204.
Temporary emergency jurisdiction.
| (1) | A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the minor child is present in this state and the minor child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the minor child because the minor child, or a sibling or parent of the minor child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse. |
| (2) |
| (a) | If there is no previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, and if no child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203, a child custody determination made under this section remains in effect until an order is obtained from a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203. |
| (b) | If a child custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203, a child custody determination made under this section becomes a final determination, if:
| (ii) | this state becomes the home state of the minor child. |
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| (3) |
| (a) | If there is a previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, or a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203, any order issued by a court of this state under this section shall specify in the order a period of time which the court considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order to obtain an order from the state having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203. |
| (b) | The order issued in this state remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the period expires. |
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| (4) |
| (a) | A court of this state that has been asked to make a child custody determination under this section, upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced, or a child custody determination has been made, by a court of a state having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203, shall immediately communicate with the other court. |
| (b) | A court of this state that is exercising jurisdiction in accordance with Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203, upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced, or a child custody determination has been made by a court of another state under a statute similar to this section shall immediately communicate with the court of that state. |
| (c) | The purpose of the communication is to resolve the emergency, protect the safety of the parties and the minor child, and determine a period for the duration of the temporary order. |
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Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
426, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-11-204
What does Utah Code § 81-11-204 cover?
Section 81-11-204 ("Temporary emergency jurisdiction.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 81-11-204?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-11-204" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 81-11-204 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
