The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a legal framework that helps determine which state has the authority to make custody decisions and ensure consistency across state lines. It prevents conflicting court rulings and provides rules for recognizing and enforcing custody orders from other states. Generally, the child's "home state"—where they lived with a parent for at least six consecutive months—has primary jurisdiction. The goal is to protect the child's best interests by establishing clear, consistent custody arrangements and avoiding "forum shopping" where parents seek to change courts for strategic reasons.