The issue of child custody is deeply emotional. Divorcing and separating couples often disagree about what is best for their children, leading to further complications when parents move to separate states.
Emy Cordano can help you protect your rights. With more than 21 years of experience, she has successfully represented her client’s best interests through insistent advocacy and responsive communication. When you need a Salt Lake City child custody attorney, call Emy Cordano. You can contact us by clicking here or calling us at (801) 901-8159 for an initial consultation.
What Is Jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction is a legal term that designates court authority over a person. The court must have the power to make orders against a person. That is called “jurisdiction”.
Jurisdiction in child custody cases has a long and complicated history. For example, in the past, if a parent disliked a court’s decision in one state, they could choose to move to another state and begin a new custody case.
In 1997, a bill was drafted to eliminate this ability. The Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) was drafted “to deter interstate parental kidnapping and “forum shopping” and to promote uniform jurisdiction and enforcement provisions.”
The UCCJEA has been adopted by the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, and all states except Massachusetts. Under the Act, jurisdiction can depend on the following factors:
- If a child is under six months old, jurisdiction is given to the state of birth. However, as the child grows older, there are other considerations.
- When a child has significant family connections in another state, it may be granted jurisdiction so long as the child has not resided in a single state for the previous six months.
- In some cases, the safety of the child may warrant another state claiming jurisdiction. Many cases involving an abusive parent will allow another state to decide a child custody case if the victim parent files for a specific protective order.
If you have questions surrounding custody, visitation, or support, please contact Emy Cordano, family law today.
Child Custody and Parental Abduction in Salt Lake City
Jurisdiction in child custody and parental abduction cases is crucial. With an estimated 1 million children affected by divorce each year, there are considerations to take into account to prevent family and parental abduction.
According to the US Department of Justice:
- Approximately 203,900 have been victims of a family abduction in the last reporting year
- 44% were under the age of 6
- 53% of family abductions are committed by the father
- 25% are committed by the mother
- 6% of family abducted children are not returned
Why You Should Work with Emy Cordano
Child custody is a highly sensitive and emotional process it can also get very tricky and complicated legally unless you have an attorney by your side who knows exactly what they are doing. Having the right lawyer by your side can:
- Ensure your case is filed in the correct jurisdiction
- Ensure you protect your custodial rights
- Represent your best interests at all times
- Give you open, effective, and responsive communication
Emy A. Cordano, Attorney at Law, has the skills and experience you need to protect your rights and fight on your behalf. Call and schedule a consultation with a Salt Lake City, Utah, family law attorney.
Contact Emy Cordano today by clicking here or calling (801) 901-8159.