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§ 20-88.38 Simultaneous proceedings in another state

A. A tribunal of the Commonwealth may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a pleading is filed in another state or foreign country only if:

1. The petition or comparable pleading in the Commonwealth is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country;

2. The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and

3. If relevant, the Commonwealth is the home state of the child.

B. A tribunal of the Commonwealth may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or foreign country if:

1. The petition or comparable pleading in the other state or foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the Commonwealth for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the Commonwealth;

2. The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the Commonwealth; and

3. If relevant, the other state or foreign country is the home state of the child.

History

This law was first created in 1994. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 673 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2015, chapter 727.

1994, c. 673; 2015, c. 727.

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