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Indiana Code Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law § 31-21-5-8

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

Sec. 8. (a) An Indiana court that has jurisdiction under this article to make a child custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if the Indiana court determines that:

(1) the Indiana court is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances;  and

(2) a court of another state is a more appropriate forum.

The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised on motion of a party, the court's own motion, or request of another court.

(b) Before determining whether an Indiana court is an inconvenient forum, the Indiana court shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction.  For this purpose, the Indiana court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider the relevant factors, including the following:

(1) Whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state is best able to protect the parties and the child.

(2) The length of time the child has resided outside Indiana.

(3) The distance between the Indiana court and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction.

(4) The relative financial circumstances of the parties.

(5) An agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction.

(6) The nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including the child's testimony.

(7) The ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence.

(8) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.

(c) If an Indiana court determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, the Indiana court:

(1) shall stay the proceedings on condition that a child custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state;  and

(2) may impose any other condition the Indiana court considers just and proper.

(d) An Indiana court may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this article if a child custody determination is incidental to an action for dissolution of marriage or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the dissolution of marriage or other proceeding.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Indiana Code Title 31. Family Law and Juvenile Law § 31-21-5-8 - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-31-family-law-and-juvenile-law/in-code-sect-31-21-5-8/

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