(a) 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.
(b) 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 § 9-19-108 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.
(c) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section.
(d) If a party to a child-custody proceeding who is outside this state is directed to appear under subsection (b) 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.
Structure Arkansas Code
Subtitle 2 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 19 - Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
§ 9-19-201. Initial child-custody jurisdiction
§ 9-19-202. Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction
§ 9-19-203. Jurisdiction to modify determination
§ 9-19-204. Temporary emergency jurisdiction
§ 9-19-205. Notice — Opportunity to be heard — Joinder
§ 9-19-206. Simultaneous proceedings
§ 9-19-207. Inconvenient forum
§ 9-19-208. Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct