On this page, you will find a list of legal words, terms and phrases that begin with the letter “U.” Each term has a short definition, and some of them have a link for a more detailed description. Just scroll down the page to find the word or term that you are looking for.

If you want to look up another term, return to the Lexicon page.

UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) – The UCCJEA is a uniform rule that governs issues related to determining which state has jurisdiction to make child custody decisions. This rule has been adopted by almost all of the states, in virtually identical language. The keystone of the Act is that the courts in the “home state” of a child have the power to make initial custody determinations with respect to that child. However, the courts of other states have the power, and the duty, to enforce the orders of the court that has already made a custody determination. The Act also sets out the rules governing which courts have jurisdiction when a child moves from the state that made the original custody determination. The main purpose of the Act is to discourage parents from trying to gain an advantage in custody disputes by moving the child to another state. It