What is a UCCJEA Case?

If you are going through a divorce and have minor children from your marriage, or if you are separating from a partner with whom you have minor children, you will need to learn about the Michigan Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). The UCCJEA is a particular uniform law that was developed by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. It is one of a number of uniform acts that states can adopt into their own state laws, and Michigan (along with all U.S. states except Massachusetts) has adopted the law. What does this mean for you? The UCCJEA is part of Michigan statutory law as the Michigan Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Accordingly, a Michigan UCCJEA case is one involving issues of child custody in Michigan, in particular questions of jurisdiction and the authority of Michigan courts to rule on child custody issues in the state.

Our experienced Michigan divorce and child custody attorneys can assist you with the specifics of your case, but in the meantime, we want to provide you with more information about a Michigan UCCJEA case and what you should expect.

Michigan UCCJEA Governs Child Custody Cases

The first thing you should know about the Michigan UCCJEA is that it governs many issues in child custody cases and provides definitions that are relevant and applicable to child custody cases in the state. Some examples of relevant terms that may be applicable to your case include but are not limited to the following: 

• Child-custody determination: The judge decides which parents will be responsible for the relevant decisions in a child’s life, as well as the parent with whom the child will live. The judge will also determine how parents will share parenting time. 
• Child-custody proceeding: A legal proceeding during which issues of child custody may be determined by the judge. These can include divorce, paternity actions, domestic violence protective orders, and more. 
• Modification: Any time the parents’ situations change, they may request a change to their child custody order. These changes must be approved and made official by the judge. The new order will replace the old order. 

The UCCJEA provides information for determining jurisdiction (i.e., which court has the authority to hear a child custody case), how the court will hear testimony on child custody issues, how the court will make determinations about out-of-state child custody modifications, how a child custody order will be enforced, and numerous other matters pertaining to where the child custody case can be heard and what authority the court has concerning the child custody case.

Contact a Michigan Child Custody and Divorce Lawyer for Assistance

Child custody cases are difficult and complicated, even when the parents are willing to work together and to negotiate for the benefit of their children. It is critical to have an experienced Michigan divorce and child custody attorney on your side throughout any UCCJEA case. One of our experienced advocates can speak with you today about your child custody case. Contact the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins for more information about the services we provide in Michigan divorces.