Washington § 26.27.051 - International application of chapter.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.27.051 — International application of chapter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.27.051. International application of chapter.

(1) A court of this state shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying Articles 1 and 2.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) or (4) of this section, a child custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under Article 3.
(3) A court of this state need not apply this chapter if the child custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human rights.
(4) A court of this state need not apply this chapter if the law of a foreign country holds that apostasy, or a sincerely held religious belief or practice, or homosexuality are punishable by death, and a parent or child may be at demonstrable risk of being subject to such laws. For the purposes of this subsection, "apostasy" means the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
[ 2021 c 23 s 1; 2001 c 65 s 105.]

Notes

Application—2021 c 23: "This act applies to child custody proceedings or proceedings to enforce a child custody determination pending as of April 14, 2021, or commenced on or after April 14, 2021." [ 2021 c 23 s 2.]
Effective date—2021 c 23: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 14, 2021]." [ 2021 c 23 s 3.]

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.27.051

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.27.051 cover?

Section 26.27.051 ("International application of chapter.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 26.27.051?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.27.051" (Washington). 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 Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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