(a) In response to a petition filed under this chapter, before a hearing on the matter, the court may enter an ex parte order for emergency measures to prevent abduction, including an ex parte warrant to take physical custody of the child, or an order for any other emergency relief as necessary to prevent abduction of a child, including imposing travel restrictions with the child, on the petitioner or the respondent or on both the petitioner and the respondent.
(b) An ex parte order for relief under this chapter shall include:
(1) the basis for the court's exercise of jurisdiction;
(2) the manner in which notice and opportunity to be heard were given to the persons entitled to notice of the proceeding, including a finding by the court of compliance with Rule 65 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, if applicable;
(3) a detailed description of each party's custody and visitation rights and residential arrangements for the child at the time the petition under this chapter was filed;
(4) a provision stating that a violation of the order may subject the party in violation to civil and criminal penalties; and
(5) identification of the child's county, state, and country of habitual residence at the time of the issuance of the order.
(c) If a petition under this chapter contains allegations and the court finds that there is a credible risk of imminent child abduction, the court may issue an ex parte order, including a warrant to take physical custody of the child. If the court issues an ex parte warrant:
(1) The respondent on a petition under this subsection must be afforded an opportunity to be heard within 72 hours after the ex parte warrant is executed.
(2) An ex parte warrant under this subsection to take physical custody of a child must:
(A) recite the facts upon which a determination of a credible risk of imminent abduction of the child is based;
(B) direct law enforcement officers to take physical custody of the child immediately;
(C) state the date and time for the hearing on the petition; and
(D) provide for the safe interim placement of the child pending further order of the court.
(3) If feasible, before issuing a warrant and before determining the placement of the child after the warrant is executed, the court may order a search of the relevant databases of the National Crime Information Center system and similar state databases to determine if either the petitioner or respondent has a history of domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse or neglect, or other criminal offenses relevant to the health and welfare of the child.
(4) The petition, order, and warrant must be served on the respondent when or immediately after the child is taken into physical custody.
(5) If the court finds that a less intrusive remedy will not be effective, it may authorize law enforcement officers to enter private property to take physical custody of the child. If required by exigent circumstances, the court may authorize law enforcement officers to make a forcible entry at any hour.
(6) A warrant to take physical custody of a child, issued by another state, is enforceable throughout this state, provided however, that nothing contained herein shall alter or delete any rights, substantive or procedural in nature.
(d) This chapter does not affect the availability of relief allowed under the law of this state other than this chapter.
Last modified: May 3, 2021