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.