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Grounds for refusal of recognition of decisions in matters of parental responsibility

1. The recognition of a decision in matters of parental responsibility shall be refused:

(a) if such recognition is manifestly contrary to the public policy of the Member State in which recognition is invoked, taking into account the best interests of the child;

(b) where it was given in default of appearance if the person in default was not served with the document which instituted the proceedings or with an equivalent document in sufficient time and in such a way as to enable that person to arrange for his or her defence unless it is determined that such person has accepted the decision unequivocally;

(c) upon application by any person claiming that the decision infringes his or her parental responsibility, if it was given without such person having been given an opportunity to be heard;

(d) if and to the extent that it is irreconcilable with a later decision relating to parental responsibility given in the Member State in which recognition is invoked;

(e) if and to the extent that it is irreconcilable with a later decision relating to parental responsibility given in another Member State or in the non-Member State of the habitual residence of the child provided that the later decision fulfils the conditions necessary for its recognition in the Member State in which recognition is invoked; or (f) if the procedure laid down in Article 82 has not been complied with.

2. The recognition of a decision in matters of parental responsibility may be refused if it was given without the child who is capable of forming his or her own views having been given an opportunity to express his or her views in accordance with Article 21, except where:

(a) the proceedings only concerned the property of the child and provided that giving such an opportunity was not required in light of the subject matter of the proceedings; or (b) there were serious grounds taking into account, in particular, the urgency of the case.