Legal Question in Family Law in Wyoming
Jurisdiction
I live in Colorado and the mother of my child has just moved to Wyoming, days before the results of the paternity test proved I am the father. I have never been married to the mother. I have been paying voluntary support for the last 20 months, as I was not aware of the child's existence until a few years ago, and now my son's mother refuses to let me see him, and has moved to Wyoming.
Which state laws am I covered under, or which laws apply now to our case, if I should seek legal joint custody?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Jurisdiction
Interstate child custody and support actions are determined under two sets of uniform laws. It is imperative that you speak to an attorney familiar with these laws and their application as many different factors can influence where and how your claims are brought. The applicable laws are known as UCCJA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act) and UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act). While enacted for the purpose of making interstate cases easier and more efficient, the focus of these laws are different and so some of their provisions conflict. Determining which provisions of each law apply to your case is something an attorney can do.