What happens if a court makes an initial ruling regarding custody?

When a court makes an initial ruling regarding custody, it retains jurisdiction to some extent based on specific conditions outlined in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). In New York, the primary jurisdiction lies with the court in which the child has lived for the last six months prior to the custody action, or in the absence of such a court, where the child has substantial connections.

Specifically, the court retains jurisdiction as long as one parent continues to reside in the jurisdiction and the child maintains connections to that area. Additionally, if a court’s initial custody ruling is in effect, jurisdiction generally remains with that court unless the court determines that it no longer has a significant connection to the children or that the parents have sought to move or establish a permanent home in another jurisdiction.

While the court has the power to revisit custody decisions, this pertains to modifications and will be contingent upon the circumstances such as a change in living situation or significant developments affecting the welfare of the child. Therefore, the notion that specific conditions dictate continued jurisdiction is accurate, which makes that choice the correct answer.