40-7-201. Initial child custody jurisdiction. - Montana Statutes

     40-7-201. Initial child custody jurisdiction. (1) Except as otherwise provided in 40-7-204, 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 6 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), 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 40-7-108 or 40-7-109, and:
     (i) 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
     (ii) 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 (1)(b) 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 40-7-108 or 40-7-109; or
     (d) no state would have jurisdiction under subsection (1)(a), (1)(b), or (1)(c).
     (2) Subsection (1) 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.

     History: En. Sec. 21, Ch. 91, L. 1999.