Interstate family law disputes involve jurisdiction over children, relocation disputes, interstate custody enforcement, child support across state lines, property division, and conflicting court orders. Interstate family law disputes are not simply governed by California statutes. They require an understanding of several overlapping uniform acts and federal laws that allocate authority among states and establish national enforcement mechanisms. California has adopted each of these uniform acts, and our attorneys are skilled at using them both offensively to establish jurisdiction in California when favorable and defensively to challenge improper jurisdiction asserted by other states.

UCCJEA — Child Custody Jurisdiction

Adopted by California in Family Code §§ 3400–3465. Establishes the exclusive basis for a California court to make or modify custody and visitation orders. Home state jurisdiction is the primary basis; significant connection and emergency jurisdiction also apply.

PKPA — Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act

Federal law (28 U.S.C. § 1738A) that requires states to give full faith and credit to custody orders of other states that comply with its provisions, preventing competing orders and jurisdictional conflict.

UIFSA — Interstate Support

Adopted in California Family Code §§ 4900–5005. Provides a single-order system for child and spousal support across all 50 states and participating foreign countries, with clear rules on which state retains exclusive jurisdiction to modify support orders.

Full Faith & Credit

Constitutional doctrine requiring each state to recognize and enforce valid judgments of sister states. In family law, understanding which orders qualify and when a state may decline, is critical to enforcement strategy.