Index
Family Law / Child CustodyUnited States (49 States, DC, US Virgin Islands, Guam)

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)

Summary

Establishes standard rules for determining which state court has the authority to make decisions regarding child custody, primarily focusing on the child's 'home state' to prevent forum shopping and interstate kidnapping.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right to have a custody case heard in the child's primary home state.
  • 02.
    Protection against a parent moving a child to another state to obtain a more favorable custody ruling.
  • 03.
    Right to have out-of-state custody orders enforced by local authorities.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Dismissal of custody petitions filed in the wrong jurisdiction.
  • 02.
    Contempt of court charges for violating interstate enforcement orders.
  • 03.
    Potential criminal charges for custodial interference or kidnapping if a child is moved in violation of the Act.

Verified Citations

""