Legal Definitions - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

The Uniform Child CustodyJurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a law that helps determine which state has jurisdiction over child custody cases. It also helps enforce custody orders across state lines.

For example, if a couple gets divorced in California and one parent moves to New York with the child, the UCCJEA would help determine which state has jurisdiction over the custody case. It would also help enforce the custody order from California in New York.

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 consideration.