Index
Family LawUnited States (49 States)

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)

Summary

This law prevents parents from 'forum shopping' or moving a child to another state to get a more favorable custody ruling. Key Terms: 1. Home State (the state where the child lived for at least six months before the case), 2. Exclusive Continuing Jurisdiction (the concept that once a court makes a ruling, it stays the only court allowed to change it until all parties leave the state).

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right to have custody cases heard in the child's established home state.
  • 02.
    Protection against unauthorized relocation of children during litigation.
  • 03.
    Right to have custody orders from one state enforced in another state.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Dismissal of the custody case
  • 02.
    Sanctions and legal fees
  • 03.
    Court orders to return the child to the home state

Verified Citations

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