In 1987, the Justice Department reported 320 cases. In 1992, there were 515 new cases. Custody is a complex matter, in part because our society is mobile. Prior to 1968, a disgruntled parent could leave one state with the children, and ask a new state to consider a new request for custody and visitation in complete disregard for the first state s orders. In 1968, lawmakers attempted to end forum shopping by requiring all custody matters to be handled by the child s home state.
Subsequent laws compel all fifty states to recognize the primacy of the home state s custody orders.
In 1988, Congress implemented the Hague Convention on International Parental Child Abduction. Finally, in 1993, Congress added criminal penalties to parental abduction of children across international borders. 4. copy of the new law, including the legislative history indicating that Congress favors extradition. Judges know what s going on. We are not stupid.