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Term Definition UCCJEA - the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, a uniform law regarding custody and visitation for parties from different states.
Application in Divorce When parents live in different states, courts in many jurisdictions settle custody disputes under the terms of UCCJEA. The act is designed to discourage and prevent jurisdiction, the law about which state decides the case is complex. Once a state has jurisdiction in custody dispute, however, it is difficult to move it to another state.

Most but not all states have adopted UCCJEA. A parent disputing custody is going to need the services of a lawyer.