Utah § 81-11-207 - Inconvenient forum.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-11-207 — Inconvenient forum., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 81-11-207. Inconvenient forum.

Effective 9/1/2025
81-11-207.  Inconvenient forum.
(1)
(a)A court of this state that has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if the court determines that the court is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum.
(b)The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon the court's own motion, request of another court, or motion of a party.
(2)
(a)Before determining whether the court is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall consider whether it is appropriate that a court of another state exercise jurisdiction.
(b)In making a determination under Subsection (2)(a), the court shall:
(i) allow the parties to submit information; and
(ii)consider all relevant factors, including:
(A)whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the minor child;
(B)the length of time the minor child has resided outside this state;
(C)the distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;
(D)the relative financial circumstances of the parties;
(E)any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;
(F)the nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including the testimony of the minor child;
(G)the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
(H)the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues of the pending litigation.
(3)If a court of this state determines that the court is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, the court shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.
(4)A court of this state may decline to exercise the court's jurisdiction under this chapter if a child custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 426, 2025 General Session

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-11-207

What does Utah Code § 81-11-207 cover?

Section 81-11-207 ("Inconvenient forum.") 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 § 81-11-207?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-11-207" (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 § 81-11-207 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.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.