Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act – (UCCJA)

Indianapolis, IN Attorneys for the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act – UCCJA

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA) was established to determine which state will have proper legal authority over child custody issues when the child’s parents live in two different states. This issue has become increasingly more important as more divorcing adults are choosing to relocate across state lines for job opportunities, new relationships, or to live closer to extended family.

The UCCJA helps to define the child’s “home state” and gives jurisdiction to that state for child custody and visitation issues. The act was created in part to prevent parental kidnapping of children by attempting to provide clear rules of jurisdiction and enforcement for child custody determinations. If you are getting divorced, or are already divorced, and your spouse or ex-spouse resides in another state do you know which state is the proper state to file a case in? If you are going through a paternity matter, or already have a paternity decree, and the other parent lives in another state, do you know in which state you should file for paternity, or to seek a modification of the paternity decree? Our attorneys do.

The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA) was established to assist the UCCJA in providing national standards for determining which state has legal jurisdiction over child custody issues. It also establishes ongoing authority for the state where the initial legal action took place.

The UCCJA is very complex and often misunderstood or misapplied, even by other family law attorneys. Our Indianapolis family law and divorce lawyers represent clients in jurisdiction matters involving child custody disputes and modifications of parenting time and we have the experience to guide you through the UCCJA. If you have questions regarding Indiana child custody laws, contact us.