Utah § 81-11-208 - Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 81-11-208 — Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 81-11-208. Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.

Effective 9/1/2025
81-11-208.  Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.
(1)Except as otherwise provided in Section 81-11-204 or by other law of this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this chapter because a person invoking the jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise the court's jurisdiction unless:
(a)the parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;
(b)a court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203 determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under Section 81-11-207; or
(c)no other state would have jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203.
(2)If a court of this state declines to exercise the court's jurisdiction in accordance with Subsection (1), the court may fashion an appropriate remedy to ensure the safety of the minor child and prevent a repetition of the wrongful conduct, including staying the proceeding until a child custody proceeding is commenced in a court having jurisdiction under Sections 81-11-201 through 81-11-203.
(3)
(a)If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise the court's jurisdiction in accordance with Subsection (1), the court shall charge the party invoking the jurisdiction of the court with necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorney 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 award would be clearly inappropriate.
(b)The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against this state except as otherwise provided by law other than this chapter.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 426, 2025 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 81-11-208

What does Utah Code § 81-11-208 cover?

Section 81-11-208 ("Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.") 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 § 81-11-208?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 81-11-208" (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 § 81-11-208 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

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