Interstate Custody Attorneys in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s version of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) governs interstate custody disputes. The UCCJEA contains certain procedures for the courts to determine jurisdiction. Jurisdiction determines if a custody case is heard in Rhode Island or where the children currently reside.

One of the most important factors for determining jurisdiction in a custody dispute is which state is the “home state.” As a rule, courts consider the state where the children have resided recently for more than six months to be the “home state.” However, there are other factors involved – for example, whether the children or one of the parents has a significant connection with Rhode Island. Or whether substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child’s care, protection, training, and personal relationships.

So, the UCCJEA also contains mechanisms for the enforcement of a custody or visitation order that has been issued by another state.

Interstate Child Support

If you live in a state other than Rhode Island, the other party might serve you with a complaint for payment of child support. However, if you have never lived in Rhode Island, it may not have jurisdiction (“personal jurisdiction”). The courts need this in order to force you to pay child support or to modify a child support order issued by another state. As a general rule, you should file any complaint for support in the state where the non-custodial parent resides. And in each case, you should immediately contact our experienced Rhode Island interstate child custody lawyers to determine your rights.

Premier Interstate Legal Representation

At Moyer Law, PC, our Rhode Island interstate custody attorneys represent parents and spouses who live in other states, not just those in Rhode Island. We are proud to help those who need local representation in interstate custody, visitation, and child support issues.

For aggressive, effective representation from our Rhode Island interstate custody lawyers, contact us online or at (401) 305-2934.