Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence Under the UCCJEA

ABSTRACT Domestic violence survivors often flee across state lines with their children to escape abuse and to seek the support of their friends and family. Judges hearing the subsequent interstate custody cases will need to consider several federal and state laws governing jurisdictional and related issues, including the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (the “UCCJEA”). This article provides an overview of the UCCJEA and related laws and addresses such questions as when a court has jurisdiction to enter or modify a custody order, and how judges can use the laws to protect survivors and their children from further abuse.