The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a law that helps ensure child custody cases are handled consistently across states. It determines which state courts have authority to make custody decisions, generally the child's home state, to prevent conflicting rulings. The law also provides procedures for recognizing and enforcing custody and visitation orders from other states. Its purpose is to protect children's stability by minimizing jurisdiction disputes and ensuring custody arrangements are respected across state lines.