{"id":351623,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-custody\/child-custody-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-05-24T14:39:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T19:39:09","slug":"child-custody-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/child-custody-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Child Custody Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Child Custody Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Each state establishes its own child custody laws, so these laws vary from state to state. Despite this, federal laws require states to honor and enforce interstate custody orders.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Child custody determinations are often among the most difficult processes for divorcing parents. Splitting up a family unit and deciding where a child will live is heart-wrenching.<\/p>\r\n

"Can I move out of state with my child?"<\/p>\r\n

"How much time is the non-custodial parent allowed to have, by law?"<\/p>\r\n

These questions are common and frequent. Custody proceedings, as well as residency requirements and other such regulations, vary from state to state.<\/p>\r\n

This section provides an overview of child custody laws in the United States.<\/p>\r\n

State Child Custody Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

Child custody laws differ from state to state. But all states have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), except Massachusetts. This act ensures the enforcement of child custody orders from other states to prevent child abduction and other custody problems that cross state lines.<\/p>\r\n

Typically, state custody laws determine the types of custody allowed. State law also decides the visitation rights of grandparents and other family members. They also determine whether children have any say in the decision (usually above a certain age threshold).<\/p>\r\n

Child Custody: Examples of State Laws<\/h2>\r\n

The following examples illustrate how custody laws vary in different states:<\/p>\r\n