Austin, Texas Interstate Custody Lawyer
Families are much more mobile than they were even twenty years ago. Parents often relocate out of state for work, family and other reasons. Most states, including Texas, have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) to address issues of interstate custody. At The Law Offices of Judy A. Leecraft, P.C., we provide knowledgeable legal representation to custodial and non-custodial parents in cases involving interstate custody.
Would you like to speak with an attorney regarding interstate child custody and relocation after a divorce? Contact our firm today to arrange your consultation.
We regularly help parents with interstate custody and move-away issues such as the following:
Getting a child back to Texas: Interstate cases are governed by a law that gives Texas jurisdiction if the original divorce, child custody or paternity case was decided in Texas and one or more parties live in Texas. (This includes the child even if the child lives in Texas without the parents.) It also gives Texas the right to emergency jurisdiction of the case even if another state has original jurisdiction if the Texas Court determines there is a bona fide emergency for the child, such as abandonment, or abuse or neglect. If your child was removed from Texas and you want to get him or her back, or if you have a child who lives in another state and you want custody because of a real emergency, Judy can fight for you in Texas family court. Interstate cases are always challenging, but attorney Judy Leecraft has successfully litigated such cases. In the worst case, if the other state won't recognize that Texas has jurisdiction, Judy can take your case to U.S. District Court. There are options and Judy is willing and able to pursue all of them when interstate litigation is in your child's best interest.
Getting a child back from another country: The laws that govern international jurisdiction over family law decisions operate somewhat like interstate laws. The United States government has made agreements with many countries to establish which country has jurisdiction of the families, how children should be returned if they are taken overseas without authority to do so, how child support is to be paid, and many other rules and laws to assist our global community in doing what is right for children. Interstate jurisdictional conflicts are extremely complicated. Judy uses the Hague Convention rules to get children returned to the U.S. if a parent has taken them abroad and will also work with the U.S. State Department to assist in the return of the kids. Judy has been known to be relentless in her efforts to get children back to their homes.
Getting jurisdiction in Texas if you are from another state: If a mom from California moves to Texas with the kids, while dad moves to Oregon, which state court can order changes in child support or modification of child custody? When no one lives in the original state of jurisdiction, Judy will petition to have Texas take jurisdiction of the case. Judy will also petition Texas courts to take emergency jurisdiction if the child's welfare is at stake.
At The Law Offices of Judy A. Leecraft, P.C. we've made a career out of handling difficult child custody cases. We're committed to protecting the best interests of children, no matter what it takes. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
