Child custody cases are complex enough when both parents remain in the same area. When one parent moves to another state or intends to move to another state, cases get even more complicated. Interstate and international jurisdiction in child custody cases are legal minefields. It is important that you choose a child custody attorney familiar with these laws to protect your parental rights.
At Jamie Graham Associates, PLLC, in San Antonio, we have 30 years of combined experience representing parents in child custody cases. We have handled cases with parents who want to or have moved out of state, cases with parents who initiate cases in other states and even cases involving parental kidnapping.
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a statute that dictates which state (or country) will have jurisdiction over a child custody case. Jurisdiction is generally proper in the child’s “home state,” defined as the state where the child lived for the six months prior to the beginning of the case. In certain cases, the home state of the child may not be the appropriate jurisdiction. Our lawyers have ample experience with complex jurisdictional issues.
Just because one parent is in another part of the country does not mean that parent should not or cannot be meaningfully involved in his or her child’s upbringing. Effective long-distance child custody arrangements are possible, but they must be designed in a manner that is in the best interest of the child.
We have experience crafting creative and effective long-distance visitation arrangements that provide for quality and robust contact between parent and child. These include comprehensive travel plans, provisions for payment of travel expenses, and provisions for parent-child teleconferences via Skype and other electronic means. Creativity plays a critical role in these cases, as does knowledge of the wide range of options available. Whether you are the out-of-state parent or you will be remaining in the child’s home state, we will work closely with you to protect your relationship with your child.
Call 210-308-6448 or send an email to talk to our experienced attorneys about properly addressing interstate child custody issues.
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