Legal Definitions - UCCJEA

Definition: The Uniform Child CustodyJurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a law that helps determine which state has jurisdiction over child custody cases when parents live in different states. It also provides a way to enforce custody orders across state lines.

Example: If a couple gets divorced in California and the mother moves to New York with their child, the UCCJEA would help determine which state has jurisdiction over the custody case. It would also provide a way for the father to enforce the custody order in New York if the mother violates it.

Explanation: The UCCJEA is important because it helps prevent conflicting custody orders from different states and ensures that the best interests of the child are taken into account. In the example, the UCCJEA would prevent the mother from filing for custody in New York if California already has jurisdiction. It would also allow the father to enforce the custody order in New York if the mother violates it, even though the order was issued in California.