Michigan Interstate Child Custody Attorney
Child custody gets complicated when parents relocate from one state to another. More and more, co-parenting involves doing so across state lines and in some cases internationally. One common problem is that the state that issued the original custody order retains jurisdiction. However, it is possible to bring the order into Michigan, or enforce out-of-state disputes in Michigan courts. I work within in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) to pursue the best possible results for my clients.
Understanding Interstate Child Custody Issues
There are many issues facing Interstate Child Custody. The most important things you should know are:
- There are both state and federal laws that govern child custody cases involving multiple states. Currently the most comprehensive law that governs child custody cases across state lines is the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
- The UCCJEA only covers issues of child custody and visitation. It does not apply to child support or any other issues.
- If the original jurisdiction is no longer relevant (both parents have moved away, for example) or convenient, and one parent has resided in a new state for at least six months, that parent can then seek to register, modify or enforce a custody order under the new state's jurisdiction.
- A state which does not otherwise have jurisdiction may enter a temporary emergency order, if the child is in danger and needs immediate protection.
As you can imagine, this is convoluted and confusing. I will be glad to explain your rights and all the options you have available. If these items apply to you:
- You have relocated to Michigan
- You have an ex-spouse or co-parent that has relocated out of state
- If both parents relocated to other states and the custody order is still registered in Michigan
I can help make sense of this difficult issue and shed light on your rights as a parent.
Contact me at Leslie Posner Law - 866-697-7404 or locally at 313-628-4711, or even online (fill out the Contact page) to set up an initial consultation to discuss your custody issues. I treat all of my clients with respect and pride myself on providing straightforward legal advice at reasonable rates.