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Definition UCCJEA - the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, a uniform law regarding custody and visitation for parties from different states.

Application in Divorce When parents live in different states, courts in many jurisdictions settle custody disputes under the terms of UCCJEA. The act is designed to discourage and prevent parental kidnapping. If a spouse moves during a divorce and attempts to file for custody in another jurisdiction, the law about which state decides the case is complex. Once a state has jurisdiction in custody dispute, however, it is difficult to move it to another state.

Most but not all states have adopted UCCJEA. A parent disputing custody is going to need the services of a lawyer.

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How does the UCCJA work?

All states have adopted the UCCJA. It sets out a standard by which a state court can determine whether it has jurisdiction (which is “the right and power to interpret and apply the law" in an area) over a particular child custody matter. If it decides that it does not have jurisdiction, the court will recognize a custody decree from another state’s court. The court will look at the child’s residence and his or her connections with the state in question. You can see that a uniform law in this area makes life a little easier for children of divorce and those seeking or having custody. You should be aware that the UCCJA will most likely be replaced by the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) in all states in the near future. Already, at least a dozen states have adopted the UCCJEA.

Contributed on 9/20/2007 by: Divorce Source, Inc. Allentown, PA [Total Contributions: 60]

Category: Child Custody (Applicable in All States)

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Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act

This is a table with links to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act for each state. The Act has been adopted by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These web sites are typically maintained by the state government and provide an easy way to navigate through 100’s of pages of on-line text.

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

This is a table with links to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act for each state. The Act has been adopted by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These web sites are typically maintained by the state government and provide an easy way to navigate through 100’s of pages of on-line text.

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