UCCJEA: Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act - Federal law that establishes jurisdiction over child custody matters and prevents competing orders between states
PKPA: Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act - Federal law that helps prevent parental kidnapping and requires states to honor child custody determinations made by other states
ICARA: International Child Abduction Remedies Act - Federal law implementing the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction for cases involving international custody disputes
State Family Law Statutes: Individual state laws governing family matters, including custody arrangements, which vary by jurisdiction
Best Interests Standard: Legal doctrine requiring all custody decisions to be made based on what is best for the child's wellbeing, considering factors such as stability, safety, and relationships
Custody Types: Legal framework distinguishing between legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child resides)
Modification Procedures: Legal requirements and standards for modifying existing custody arrangements, typically requiring a substantial change in circumstances
Child Support Guidelines: State-specific rules and calculations for determining financial support obligations in custody arrangements
Domestic Violence Laws: State and federal protections for custody cases involving domestic violence, affecting custody determinations and visitation arrangements
Relocation Regulations: Legal requirements and restrictions regarding the ability of custodial parents to relocate with children
Third Party Rights: Laws governing the rights of non-parents (such as grandparents) in custody matters
Procedural Requirements: State-specific filing procedures, court approvals, and mediation requirements for custody agreements
Jurisdiction Rules: Legal framework determining which court has authority to hear and decide custody matters, including venue considerations
