UCCJEA: Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act - Federal law that establishes jurisdiction over child custody matters and ensures enforcement of custody orders across state lines
PKPA: Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act - Federal law designed to prevent parental kidnapping and establish national standards for jurisdiction in custody cases
ICARA: International Child Abduction Remedies Act - Federal law implementing the Hague Convention on international child abduction, relevant if international travel is involved
State Family Law Statutes: Individual state laws governing family matters, including custody arrangements and parental rights, which vary by jurisdiction
Best Interest Doctrine: Legal principle requiring all custody decisions to be made according to what best serves the child's wellbeing and development
Custody Types: Legal framework distinguishing between physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (decision-making authority)
Child Support Guidelines: State-specific mathematical formulas and requirements for calculating and implementing child support obligations
Visitation Rights: Legal framework for non-custodial parent's rights to spend time with the child, including regular schedules and holiday arrangements
Modification Procedures: Legal processes and requirements for making changes to the custody agreement after it has been established
Jurisdiction Requirements: Legal rules determining which court has authority to hear and decide custody matters based on residence and other factors
Relocation Provisions: Legal requirements and procedures for when a custodial parent wishes to move with the child to a new location
Decision Authority Framework: Guidelines for how parents will make major decisions regarding education, healthcare, religion, and other significant aspects of the child's life
Dispute Resolution Protocol: Procedures for resolving disagreements between parents, including mediation requirements and court intervention processes
