961 N.E.2d 48
Ind. Ct. App.2012Background
- Mother seeks modification of out-of-state child support order; order registered in Maryland after initial Nevada decree.
- Father resides in Maryland; Mother resides in Indiana; petition filed in Allen Circuit Court (Indiana).
- UIFSA registration and Maryland consent mechanics are central to jurisdictional questions.
- Indiana statute 31-18-6-11(a)(1) requires petitioner to be a non-resident to modify an out-of-state order absent consent.
- Indiana court dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction; issues on FFCCSOA preemption and UIFSA interpretation followed.
- Court affirms dismissal, finding no subject matter jurisdiction under UIFSA as Mother is an Indiana resident and no consent to Indiana jurisdiction exists.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether Indiana has jurisdiction to modify a foreign child support order. | Jackson argues FFCCSOA preempts non-residency rule. | Holiness contends UIFSA non-residency requirement applies; no consent. | No jurisdiction; non-residency rule controls; dismissal affirmed. |
| Whether FFCCSOA preempts Indiana UIFSA provisions on modification. | FFCCSOA preempts due to no residency requirement. | Basileh holds FFCCSOA does not preempt UIFSA. | FFCCSOA does not preempt UIFSA; but still dismissal upheld due to non-residency. |
| Whether Indiana could modify under alternative bases (consent, in rem/in personam). | Diagram suggests possible jurisdiction under consent or personal jurisdiction. | No consent; no base to modify under §31-18-6-11(a)(1). | Not applicable; consent not present; modification not permitted. |
Key Cases Cited
- Lombardi v. Van Deusen, 938 N.E.2d 219 (Ind.Ct.App. 2010) (de novo review for subject matter jurisdiction and statutory interpretation)
- Basileh v. Alghusain, 912 N.E.2d 814 (Ind.2009) (FFCCSOA does not preempt UIFSA; nonresidency and consent modeled provisions)
- Harris v. Harris, 922 N.E.2d 626 (Ind.Ct.App.2010) (in rem vs in personam jurisdiction considerations in dissolution contexts)
- LeTellier v. LeTellier, 40 S.W.3d 490 (Tenn.2001) (commentary on UIFSA non-residency and policy considerations for away-game jurisdiction)
- Georgetown Bd. of Zoning Appeals v. Keele, 743 N.E.2d 301 (Ind.Ct.App.2001) (definition of subject matter jurisdiction; power to hear a class of cases)