questions & answers

Question: My sons father moved out of state with my son and now he is saying that he will not be bringing him to me for the summer which is ordered by the court in my state. Is there anything that I can do to make him follow the court order since he does not live in the same state as I?

Answer: A parent cannot avoid enforcement of a child custody or parenting time order, that was properly issued in this state, simply by traveling across state lines. Arizona and nearly all other states in the country have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). A.R.S. 25-1001 through 25-1067. http://www.azleg.gov/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=25 The act imposes on the adopting state an obligation to recognize and enforce child custody orders from another state. A.R.S. 25-1053 http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/01053.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS This means that other states will enforce the terms of the child custody order once asked to do so. Action under the UCCJEA can be complex and will likely involve legal action that crosses state lines. It is imperative to consult with an attorney practicing family law to determine how to proceed in such a situation. Attorneys can be found by practice area by visiting the Arizona Bar Association website. www.azbar.org