Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a law designed to provide consistent rules across states regarding custody disputes. It helps determine which state has the authority to make custody decisions for a child, primarily based on where the child has lived for the past six months. The UCCJEA aims to prevent conflicting custody rulings from different states and ensure that custody orders are respected nationally. Its goal is to prioritize the child’s stability and well-being by establishing clear jurisdictional guidelines for courts.