Phoenix Child Custody Attorney
Arizona Interstate Child Custody and Support Lawyers
Child custody (legal decision making and parenting time) and child support are matters that are wrought with tension. When one of the parents live out of the state, the potential for conflict dramatically increases. However, two pieces of legislation make it possible for parents to resolve their challenges and seek modification to or enforcement of orders.
At Bishop & Martin Law Office, P.C., our team of attorneys works with parents to achieve amicable parenting and support agreements through negotiation or mediation. If parents are unable to reach a mutually acceptable understanding, we stand ready to fight for our clients' rights and interests in court.
With offices in Phoenix and in Tempe, we offer convenient and accessible family law services in Arizona. Contact Bishop & Martin to schedule a consultation with an experienced Arizona child custody and support attorney.
Interstate Child Custody and Support Enforcement
There are two main pieces of legislation that govern out-of-state custody and support matters: the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
- The UIFSA allows all states to enforce child support orders. Prior to instituting UIFSA, interstate child support obligations were not being met. Because many fathers and mothers live in different states, the UIFSA was enacted to ensure standardized protocol is used to enforce orders and to collect child support payments. It also limits the jurisdiction of courts for establishing and modifying child support orders so that inconsistent orders are not entered by different states.
- The UCCJEA institutes uniform procedures to register and to enforce child custody orders across state lines. It limits jurisdiction for child custody determination to a single state while extending enforcement provisions to all states. The original court maintains exclusive jurisdiction over custody matters until the parents, guardians and children no longer live in the state where the original order was given. If an emergency arises where a child is in danger, a non-jurisdiction state may enter a temporary emergency order for immediate protection.
For parents considering relocation from Arizona for a new job, relationship or other opportunity, it is important to work with an experienced Arizona family law, child custody and support attorney. From modifications to enforcement, we can counsel parents on their obligations and fight to protect their rights.
Contact Bishop & Martin Law Office, P.C. , for assistance with interstate child support and custody matters. With offices located in Phoenix (off Highway 51) and in Tempe (off I-10), we offer accessible and professional family law services in Arizona.
