Section 9.32 Missouri

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

A. (§9.32) Missouri

In 2009, the Missouri legislature adopted a version of the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act), drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, available at:

www.law.upenn.edu/bll/archives/ulc/uccjea/final1997act.htm

The MoUCCJEA (Missouri Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act), effective August 28, 2009, which is codified as §§ 452.700–452.930, RSMo Supp. 2011, replaces the MoUCCJA (Missouri Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act), §§ 452.440–452.550, RSMo, (repealed in 2009), which was Missouri’s version of the UCCJA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act) (1968), 9 U.L.A. pt. IA, 261 (1999). Jurisdiction in custody proceedings in which more than one state is involved will now be governed by the MoUCCJEA. The purpose of the UCCJEA is “to assure that child custody is determined by the state which can best decide the case in the interest of the child, and to discourage relitigation and unilateral removal of children by avoiding judicial conflicts and by promoting cooperation and exchange of information between judges.” 24A Am. Jur. 2d Divorce and Separation § 868 (2008).

Resembling the UCCJA, the MoUCCJEA establishes an order of priority for determining which state has proper jurisdiction to make an initial determination of child custody:

1. Except as otherwise provided...