Opinion ID: 2552701
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Child Custody and the UCCJEA

Text: The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act is embodied in chapter 14.1 of title 15. We previously have noted that the General Assembly adopted the UCCJEA [i]n response to continuing confusion concerning the applicability of the full-faith-and credit clause of the United States Constitution to interstate custody decrees and in an attempt `to stem the proliferation of jurisdiction in custody litigation'   . Nadeau v. Nadeau, 716 A.2d 717, 721 (R.I.1998) (quoting Paolino, 420 A.2d at 835). We further noted that the purpose of the UCCJEA was to minimize jurisdictional competition and conflict so that custody decisions are rendered in the state best able to protect the welfare of the [interstate] child. Id. (quoting Paolino, 420 A.2d at 835). To effect this purpose, the UCCJEA prescribed uniform standards to be applied to determine whether a state has jurisdictioninitial or exclusive and continuingover custody matters. Nadeau, 716 A.2d at 721 (citing Thompson v. Thompson, 484 U.S. 174, 181, 108 S.Ct. 513, 98 L.Ed.2d 512 (1988)). A