Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA)

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA) is a law designed to prevent conflicts between states regarding child custody decisions. It establishes guidelines for which state has the authority to make custody rulings, typically encouraging the child's home state—where they have lived for six months—to take precedence. This helps ensure stability for the child and reduces the chance of parents "shopping" for favorable custody outcomes in different states. Ultimately, the UCCJA aims to protect children’s welfare by promoting cooperation among states in custody matters.