Bill > H28

This bill establishes the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) in Massachusetts, which aims to standardize how states handle child custody cases, particularly when a child or parents are involved in multiple states. Key provisions include defining terms like "child-custody determination" (a court order about legal custody, physical custody, or visitation, excluding child support) and "home State" (where the child has lived for at least six months), outlining the conditions under which a Massachusetts court has jurisdiction to make or modify child custody orders, and establishing procedures for enforcing custody orders from other states. The Act also addresses temporary emergency jurisdiction for situations involving child abuse or neglect, clarifies rules for simultaneous proceedings in different states, and provides mechanisms for inconvenient forum determinations, where a court may decline jurisdiction if another state is more appropriate. Furthermore, it details requirements for submitting information to the court, allows for the appearance of parties and children, and sets forth procedures for the expedited enforcement of child custody orders, including the possibility of issuing warrants to take physical custody of a child in emergency situations. The bill also repeals the older Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act and makes conforming amendments to existing law, with a specified effective date.