What is the purpose of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)?

The purpose of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is primarily to prevent jurisdictional disputes regarding custody and visitation. This act was designed to address the complications that arise when parents move between states, which can create confusion and conflict over which state has the authority to make custody determinations.

The UCCJEA provides a uniform legal framework, establishing that custody and visitation decisions should be made in the child's home state, where the child has lived for a significant time, thereby promoting consistency and stability. This focus on preventing jurisdictional disputes helps ensure that custody issues are resolved in a timely manner, reducing the chances of competing rulings from different states based on the same circumstances.

While the act does facilitate alignment of state laws concerning custody matters, that aspect is secondary to its primary goal of resolving jurisdictional questions. It does not inherently establish parental rights in custody battles or directly determine child support obligations, as these issues are handled under different legal frameworks.