N.Y.
Domestic Relations Law Section 76-F
Inconvenient forum
1.
A court of this state which has jurisdiction under this article to make a child custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the child or the child’s attorney, or upon the court’s own motion, or request of another court.2.
Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:(a)
whether domestic violence or mistreatment or abuse of a child or sibling has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;(b)
the length of time the 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 testimony of the 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 in the pending litigation.3.
If a court of this state determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it 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 its jurisdiction under this article 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.
Source:
Section 76-F — Inconvenient forum, https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/DOM/76-F (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Oct. 26, 2024).
