Interstate custody disputes

Interstate custody disputes occur when parents or guardians from different states disagree about where a child should live or who has legal rights over the child. These situations can arise after separation or divorce. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) helps resolve these disputes by establishing which state's courts have the authority to make custody decisions. The focus is usually on the child's best interests, considering factors like stability and relationships. Courts generally aim to prevent conflicts between states and ensure that custody arrangements are honored across state lines.