HB213 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Child custody disputes, procedures for prevention of child abduction, credible risk for abduction factors, applicable to certain international abductions, emergency measures, Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act
Summary: HB213 adopts the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act in Alabama to give courts new tools to prevent child abduction in custody cases through risk-based orders, emergency measures, and passport/travel restrictions.
What This Bill Does
The bill allows courts to order abduction prevention measures in a child-custody case when there is credible risk that a child could be abducted, including emergency ex parte orders and warrants to take custody. It requires petitions to detail risk factors and child/party information, and it provides a list of factors to determine credible risk, including prior abduction, threats, and international travel concerns. It also sets out procedures for emergency hearings, travel and passport restrictions, and cross-state cooperation under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, with provisions on duration, penalties, costs, and alignment with other states.

Who It Affects
Parents or guardians involved in child custody disputes, who may file petitions for abduction prevention measures or be subject to risk-based orders and restrictions.
Children under 19, who may receive temporary protection through emergency orders, travel restrictions, supervision, and custody arrangements intended to prevent abduction.

Key Provisions
Adopts the Alabama Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act to prevent child abduction in custody disputes.
Courts may order abduction prevention measures in a child-custody proceeding when there is credible risk of abduction, including emergency orders.
The act establishes risk factors to determine credible risk (e.g., prior abduction, threats, lifestyle changes suggesting planning, international travel, passport activities, and Hague Convention considerations).
Emergency measures can include ex parte orders, warrants to take custody, travel restrictions, and temporary placement of the child, with preview checks of relevant databases when feasible.
Abduction prevention orders may require supervision, bonds, and travel/passport controls, and can restrict removal of the child, contact with the child, or require supervised visitation and financial safeguards.
Passport and travel document procedures: surrender of passports, alerts to travel authorities, coordination with foreign consulates, and possible reporting to U.S. embassies and Hague authorities when applicable.
Orders last for a defined period or until emancipation, age 19, or until modified/superseded by a custody court under UCCJEA; remedies are cumulative with other laws.
The act emphasizes cooperation among courts and agencies and promotes uniform application with other states that enact the act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Family Law