ORS 109.741: Initial child custody jurisdiction.
Edition: 2025 EditionEffective: 2026-01-01Last verified: 2026-09-07
(1) Except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.751, a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if: (a) This state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state; (b) A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under subsection (1)(a) of this section, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under ORS 109.761 or 109.764, and: (A) The child and the child’s parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and (B) Substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child’s care, protection, training and personal relationships; (c) All courts having jurisdiction under subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under ORS 109.761 or 109.764; or (d) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) of this section. (2) Subsection (1) of this section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state. (3) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination. [1999 c.649 §13]
Official history and status
History: Note: See note under 109.701.
Administrative rules citing this section
- OAR 413-140-0030: Required Documentation — implements
This rule cites
- ORS 109.751 — resolved
- ORS 109.761 — resolved
- 109.764 — resolved
Cited by
- ORS 109.276: Petition for adoption; residency and jurisdictional requirements; venue; home study; placement report; fee; rules; filing requirements for entry of judgment.
- ORS 109.744: Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.
- ORS 109.747: Jurisdiction to modify determination.
- ORS 109.751: Temporary emergency jurisdiction.
- ORS 109.757: Simultaneous proceedings.
- ORS 109.764: Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.
- ORS 109.784: Temporary order for parenting time or visitation.
- ORS 109.787: Registration of child custody determination; notice; fee; hearing.
- ORS 109.791: Enforcement of registered determination.
- ORS 109.794: Simultaneous proceedings.
- ORS 109.797: Expedited enforcement of child custody determination.
- ORS 109.804: Immediate physical custody of child; exceptions; spousal privilege in certain proceedings.
- ORS 109.814: Recognition and enforcement.
Official source: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors109.html