UCCJEA: Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act - Federal legislation that determines which state has jurisdiction over child custody matters and prevents parents from moving children to different states to gain custody advantage
PKPA: Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act - Federal law that requires states to enforce and not modify other states' custody determinations and prevents interstate custody conflicts
State Family Law Codes: State-specific laws governing custody arrangements, including custody standards and parenting time guidelines. These vary by state and must be consulted based on jurisdiction
Best Interests Doctrine: Primary legal standard used in custody decisions, considering factors such as child's relationships, adjustment to environment, and parents' capabilities to meet child's needs
Custody Types: Legal framework distinguishing between Legal Custody (decision-making authority) and Physical Custody (where child resides), both of which must be addressed in the agreement
Parental Rights Framework: Comprehensive outline of rights and responsibilities including visitation schedules, decision-making authority, financial responsibilities, medical care authority, and educational decisions
Modification Provisions: Legal requirements for when and how the custody agreement can be modified, including circumstances and processes for modifications
Relocation Requirements: Legal framework for handling potential relocations, including notice requirements, geographic restrictions, and processes for managing relocations
Dispute Resolution Framework: Legal structure for handling disputes, including mediation requirements, court intervention procedures, and communication protocols between parties
