Section 76-I. Appearance of parties and child


Latest version.
  • 1.  In a child custody
      proceeding in this state, the court may order a party to the  proceeding
      who  is  in  this  state  to  appear  before the court in person with or
      without the child. The court may order any person who is in  this  state
      and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person
      with the child.
        2.  If a party to a child custody proceeding whose presence is desired
      by the court is outside this state, the court may order  that  a  notice
      given  pursuant  to  section  seventy-five-g  of  this article include a
      statement directing the party to appear in person with  or  without  the
      child  and  informing  the  party that failure to appear may result in a
      decision adverse to the party.
        3. The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure  the  safety  of
      the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section.
        4.  If a party to a child custody proceeding who is outside this state
      is directed to appear under subdivision two of this section  or  desires
      to  appear  personally  before  the court with or without the child, the
      court may require another party to pay reasonable and  necessary  travel
      and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the child.