Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-13.5-106

Current through 11/5/2024 election

Section 14-13.5-106 - Contents of petition

(1) A petition under this article must be verified and include a copy of any existing child-custody determination, if available. The petition must specify the risk factors for abduction, including the relevant factors described in section 14-13.5-107. Subject to section 14-13-209, if reasonably ascertainable, the petition must contain:

(a) The name, date of birth, and gender of the child;

(b) The customary address and current physical location of the child;

(c) The identity, customary address, and current physical location of the respondent;

(d) A statement of whether a prior action to prevent abduction, domestic violence, or domestic abuse has been filed by a party or other individual or entity having custody of the child, and the date, location, and disposition of the action;

(e) A statement of whether a party to the proceeding has been arrested for a crime related to domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect and the date, location, and disposition of the case; and

(f) Any other information required to be submitted to the court for a child-custody determination under section 14-13-209.

C.R.S. § 14-13.5-106

L. 2007: Entire article added, p. 769, § 1, effective May 14.

OFFICIAL COMMENT

The contents of the petition follow those for pleadings under Section 209 of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act [section 14-13-209, C.R.S.]. The information is made subject to state law [section 14-13-209 (5), C.R.S.] on the protection of names or identifying information in certain cases. A number of states have enacted laws relating to the protection of victims in domestic violence and child abuse cases by keeping confidential the victims' names, addresses, and other information. These procedures must be followed if the state law requires their applicability.

The requirement for information on domestic violence or child abuse is to alert the court to the possibility that a batterer or abuser is attempting to use the Act. Domestic violence underlies large numbers of parental kidnapping. One study found that approximately one half of abductors had been violent toward the other parent during the marriage or relationship. Some batterers abduct their children during or after custody litigation; others abduct before initiating legal proceedings. The court should not allow a batterer to use this Act to gain temporary custody or additional visitation in an uncontested hearing. A person who has committed domestic violence or child abuse poses a risk of harm to the child. Such a person, however, may still seek relief in a contested hearing where the issues can be fully examined by the court. In order to screen for domestic violence or child abuse, the petition requires disclosure of all relevant information and the court can inquire about domestic violence at any hearing.

Notice and opportunity to be heard should be given according to the law of the state and may be by publication if other means are not effective. See Section 108(a) of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act [section 14-13-108, C.R.S.].