Equity in Justice
Case Evaluation

Request a case evaluation from our staff to get started.

  • Please enter your name.
  • Please enter your name.
  • This isn't a valid email address.
    Please enter your email address.
  • This isn't a valid phone number.
    Please enter your phone number.
    You entered an invalid number.
  • Please enter a message.
    Please select an option.

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

Child Custody Help from Dallas Attorneys

Before filing and fighting for child custody in Texas, it’s important to determine if the state actually has the power to handle your case. If your child has lived in multiple states, it’s possible that the jurisdiction may lie elsewhere. In these cases, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is an invaluable resource to determine how you are meant to proceed.

What Is the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act?

The country is divided on how each state handles child custody decisions. This lack of uniformity presents an obstacle to parents who live in separate states and have a child who has resided in a number of states as well. The UCCJEA provides those facing this confusion with some general rules to establish which state has jurisdiction over the child custody case. It’s important to note that the UCCJEA:

  • Only applies to legal custody, physical custody, and visitation issues
  • Is used by every state except Massachusetts
  • Is necessary to determine jurisdiction in every custody case where a parent, guardian, or child lives in a state other than Texas
  • Makes it your duty to inform the court of the applicability of UCCJEA in your case by presenting the child’s addresses for the past five years, along with the names and current addresses of those the child lived with

Our attorneys can help you better understand the UCCJEA as it applies to your case.

How the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Determines Jurisdiction

Regardless of the other states relevant to your case, there could be reason for to make the decision within a Texas court. The UCCJEA establishes that Texas courts have jurisdiction of custody cases if:

  • The child has lived in Texas with a parental figure for at least six months before the case was filed
  • The child is under six months old and has resided in Texas with a parental figure since birth
  • The child does not currently live in Texas, but did live there within the six months preceding the case filing, and a parental figure still lives in Texas

While these are the only grounds for jurisdiction in custodial decisions, Texas maintains the ability to intervene in emergency situations. Texas courts may exercise power if the child is in Texas and has been abandoned, or if they or someone close to them is threatened with abuse. This emergency exercise of jurisdiction lasts until a child custody case can be started in the appropriate state.

Contact Mathur Law Offices, P.C. for further help understanding which court has the jurisdiction to hear your child custody case.

What to Expect From Mathur Law Offices, P.C.

  • A legal team with a wide breadth of legal knowledge
  • An emphasis on making your needs our top priority
  • Personalized, unwavering commitment to you
  • A team with unmatched experience and versatility
  • Compassionate and genuine service

Trusted Recommendations
From Our Clients

  • You immediately gave us confidence, and hope in your firm's ability to help us with our needs.

    “You kept us informed, you thoroughly explained all our options good or bad, and that is greatly appreciated!”

    F.H.

  • Thank you Laura

    “I want to thank Laura Byno. She was very helpful on every step of the way in my legal challenge. Her recommendations were always up to the point and in my best interest. I always got update whenever needed, she was always available to help me. I really appreciate all her help.”

    Bhavesh

  • You truly have put all my worries to rest!

    “I want to thank you so much for all the help you have provided us.”

    M.N.

  • Highly Recommended

    “Anamika Sinha has worked on my case and she is extremely thorough and very helpful and kind. She has always responded to my questions and concerns in a timely manner and was very good at following up on my case. I would recommend her and Mathur Law offices confidently!”

    Anu B

  • Yvette Lopez

    “Yvette is always very helpful when I call and if I can't reach anyone she makes a note and makes sure I get a response within that same day. Just wanted to say Thank you Yvette for caring and taking care of us clients..”

    Elizabeth Juarez