§ 21–2402.09. Proceedings in more than one state.

Except for a petition for the appointment of a guardian in an emergency or issuance of a protective order limited to property located in the District of Columbia under § 21-2402.04(a)(1) or (2), if a petition for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a protective order is filed in the District and in another state and neither petition has been dismissed or withdrawn, the following rules apply:

(1) If the Superior Court has jurisdiction under § 21-2402.03, it may proceed with the case unless a court in another state acquires jurisdiction under provisions similar to § 21-2402.03 before the appointment or issuance of the order.

(2) If the Superior Court does not have jurisdiction under § 21-2402.03, whether at the time the petition is filed or at any time before the appointment or issuance of the order, the Superior Court shall stay the proceeding and communicate with the court in the other state. If the court in the other state has jurisdiction, the Superior Court shall dismiss the petition unless the court in the other state determines that the Superior Court is a more appropriate forum.