Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction & Enforcement Act

At Booth Family Law, we are known for a unique expertise in interstate and international child custody issues. Mr. Booth lectures, writes, and consults with attorneys nationwide on child custody issues. 

Child custody jurisdiction is a complex and specialized area of family law. The key statute that almost every state uses to regulate child custody jurisdiction is called the "Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act" (UCCJEA).  

When there is an existing order, it can almost always be enforced anywhere in the U.S.A. That order can’t be changed, parenting time can’t be modified and legal custody can't be given or removed from a parent. New orders CANNOT be issued unless the court has jurisdiction to do so.  In Kansas, the Uniform Act is codified under, K.S.A. 23-37,101 et seq.