What is the general rule regarding jurisdiction to modify or enforce child custody under the UCCJEA?

The general rule regarding jurisdiction to modify or enforce child custody under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is that the state that issued the original custody order typically retains exclusive jurisdiction over that order. This means that if a court in the state where the original order was made has not lost jurisdiction, it is the only court that can modify or enforce the existing custody arrangement. This principle is designed to provide stability and consistency in custody determinations, avoiding conflicts between states and minimizing the potential for forum shopping by parents seeking more favorable outcomes in different jurisdictions.

The UCCJEA aims to prioritize the best interests of the child and uphold the integrity of custody determinations. Thus, while there are circumstances under which another state may intervene, such as if the child has moved and the original state declines to exercise its jurisdiction, the general rule remains that the state that issued the original order is the primary authority for modifications.