The act gives initial jurisdiction to the child's home state, defined as where the child lived for six months before the proceeding. The issuing state retains exclusive continuing jurisdiction while a party remains connected.
It is adopted in nearly every state.
Alternative Names:
Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act|Custody Jurisdiction Act
Why it Matters?
Exclusive continuing jurisdiction means the original state retains authority even after both parents and the child leave, until a court determines the connection ended, which prevents forum shopping through relocation. Emergency jurisdiction is available where a child present in a state faces abandonment or abuse, but produces only temporary orders. Determining home state at filing is the threshold analysis in any interstate matter.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What is exclusive continuing jurisdiction?
What does emergency jurisdiction provide?
